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Iconic Wildlife Tour with Yellow Eyed Penguins & Royal Albatross

35 Reviews 4.74 out of 5 stars Based on 35 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 91% of reviewers
91% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
| Port Chalmers, New Zealand
Book online or call us

from $227.20 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
Yellow Eyed Penguin
Royal Albatross Centre
Little Blue Penguin
Penguin Place
Port Chalmers and Otago Peninsula
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 16 (0) days in advance.
7 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Overview

Visit the habitat of the world's rarest penguin. Walk through a private nature reserve on this guided tour for a chance to see the endangered Yellow Eyed Penguin, Little Blue Penguins and NZ Fur seals in the wild. Specially designed hides allow for close viewing of Yellow Eyed Penguins in their nesting habitat *please note the penguins are not kept in captivity in the reserve and they may not always be visible from the hides. A visit to the penguin rehabilitation hospital is also included in this tour.
This tour also visits the Royal Albatross Colony for a guided tour of the nesting area.
Lookouts, photo stops and full commentary provided throughout. Also included is a brief tour of Dunedin's main city sights.

What's Included

  • Cruise Port pickup and drop off; Please meet us inside the Visitor Building on ship's wharf
  • Entry fees to The OPERA (Yellow Eyed Penguin guided tour)
  • Entry fees to Royal Albatross guided tour

    Meeting Location

    Meeting point
    End point

    This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    What To Expect

    Book Online

    Our secure website provides real-time availability.
    Read more

    Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

    The Otago Peninsula Eco Restoration Alliance

    A chance to see Penguins, NZ Furseals and other wildlife in a private nature reserve. Access is by small group tour with a specialist wildlife guide only. Wildlife are free to come and go to and from the sea. The rare Yellow Eyed Penguin nests here but they are very shy and it is not always possible to see them. You will get a close up look at Little Blue Penguins nesting on the reserve. The walking is easy, less than 1 km, but there are a number of steps in and out of the reserve area. reasonable level of mobility is required for this tour.
    Read more

    1 hour 30 minutes Admission Ticket Included

    The Royal Albatross Centre

    On this tour we include a visit to the Royal Albatross Centre. It is free entry to the info gallery, cafe and gift shop. Some people opt to do the Albatross Tour add-on (*additional fee applies) where you will go on a special 1 hour guided tour of the nesting area. Viewing is from behind glass but the view itself, seeing the nesting area up close, and informative guide make for an unforgettable experience.
    Read more

    1 hour Admission Ticket Free

    Otago Peninsula

    Dunedin's wildlife are mostly found on the Otago Peninsula. This is a stunning piece of land that juts out from the mainland, almost like an island. We take you to the far reaches of the Peninsula, with the chance of spotting a variety of bird life. We always take the High Road for spectacular views and lookouts, and the Low Road for the scenic harbor-side drive.
    Read more

    4 hours Admission Ticket Free

    Baldwin Street - World's Steepest Street!

    Another must stop and see destination on all of our tours. The quirky Baldwin Street never fails to turn heads. It really does hold the record for steepest street in the World. But sometimes the only way to convince you is to take you there!
    Read more

    30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Dunedin Railway Station

    Likely the most photographed building in all of NZ, Dunedin's grand Railway Station is a must see. We always take the time to stop here to look inside at the beautiful mosaic floor and lavishly decorated interior.
    Read more

    20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Show 4 more stops

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for people with mobility aids
    • At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult
    • This tour involves short walks on unsealed tracks and there are a number of easy steps to negotiate in the reserve. Please bring suitable footwear.

    Frequently Asked Questions (8)

    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Iconic Wildlife Tour with Yellow Eyed Penguins & Royal Albatross?

    A: This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded. This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

    Cancellation Policy

    This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

    Still have questions?

    We're here to help.
    Activity code: C-19620P3

    Traveler Photos

    Reviews

    4.74
    35 reviews

    Average 4.74 out of 5 stars based on 35 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

    5 stars
    31
    4 stars
    1
    3 stars
    2
    2 stars
    0
    1 star
    1
    Don't miss out!
    On average, this is booked 16 (0) days in advance.
    Port Chalmers Tours
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    Frequently Asked Questions (8)

    Activity name

    The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.

    Filter by:

    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Iconic Wildlife Tour with Yellow Eyed Penguins & Royal Albatross?
    A:
    This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
    • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
    Apr 2025
    Q: What's included in the price?
    A:
    The following is included:
    • Cruise Port pickup and drop off; Please meet us inside the Visitor Building on ship's wharf.
    • Entry fees to The OPERA (Yellow Eyed Penguin guided tour).
    • Entry fees to Royal Albatross guided tour.
    Apr 2025
    Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
    A:

    This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

    Apr 2025
    Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
    A:

    There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

    Apr 2025
    Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
    A:

    If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

    If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

    Apr 2025
    Q: Is this an accessible tour?
    A:

    Accessibility information for the Iconic Wildlife Tour with Yellow Eyed Penguins & Royal Albatross is as follows:

    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for people with mobility aids
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    Apr 2025
    Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
    A:

    Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Iconic Wildlife Tour with Yellow Eyed Penguins & Royal Albatross will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

     

     

    Mar 2024
    Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
    A:

    Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

    Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

    If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

    Oct 2026

    What's Included

    Activity name

    • Cruise Port pickup and drop off; Please meet us inside the Visitor Building on ship's wharf
    • Entry fees to The OPERA (Yellow Eyed Penguin guided tour)
    • Entry fees to Royal Albatross guided tour

    Additional Info

    Activity name

    • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for people with mobility aids
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
    • At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult
    • This tour involves short walks on unsealed tracks and there are a number of easy steps to negotiate in the reserve. Please bring suitable footwear.
    • Wildlife are free to come and go as they please. While we make every effort to maximise the opportunities to see wildlife, we cannot guarrantee exactly what you will see on the day
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers

    Report Product Issue

    Activity name