See the Little Blue Penguins Return
Watch the world’s smallest penguins emerge from the ocean after sunset and make their way back to their nesting burrows at Takiharuru/Pilots Beach—an unforgettable Otago Peninsula wildlife experience.
Video courtesy of Fantail Tours guide. Penguin numbers and activity vary each evening.
TOUR AT A GLANCE
Duration: Approximately 4.5 hours
Price: From NZD 235 per person*
Departure point: The Octagon in central Dunedin, outside the Dunedin Visitor Centre
Departure time: Varies throughout the year according to sunset and the penguins’ expected arrival time
Group size: Up to 10 guests
Includes: Comfortable transport, an experienced local driver-guide, bottled water and admission to the guided little blue penguin viewing experience
Fitness level: Moderate fitness required; the penguin experience involves walking down and back up a long staircase
What to bring: Warm, windproof clothing and comfortable footwear are essential, as evenings at Taiaroa Head can be cold
*An additional booking fee applies. Personal expenses are not included. This evening tour is unsuitable for cruise passengers unless their ship remains in Dunedin overnight.
Otago Peninsula Scenery & Little Blue Penguin Tour (4.5 hours)
TOUR DETAILS
Meet Your Guide
Your guide will collect you from the Octagon in central Dunedin, outside the Dunedin Visitor Centre. Departure times vary throughout the year according to sunset, as little blue penguins return to shore only after darkness falls.
Explore the Otago Peninsula
Travel across the Otago Peninsula via spectacular Highcliff Road. Enjoy sweeping views of the harbour, bays and surrounding countryside, with stops for photographs along the way.
Stop at Hoopers Inlet, where you may see royal spoonbills, pied stilts, black swans and other wading birds.
Taiaroa Head
Before the penguin experience begins, enjoy some free time at Taiaroa Head. Depending on the weather, you may see northern royal albatross soaring above the headland. You can also purchase a hot drink or visit the souvenir shop at the Royal Albatross Centre.
Little Blue Penguin Experience
Once darkness falls, join a 1.5-hour guided little blue penguin experience at Takiharuru/Pilots Beach.
The experience begins with an informative talk lasting approximately 30 minutes, during which you will learn about little blue penguins, or kororā, their behaviour and the conservation work being undertaken to protect them.
You will then spend approximately one hour at the beach viewing area, waiting for the penguins to return from the ocean. Watch the world’s smallest penguins emerge from the water and make their way up the beach towards their nesting burrows—an unforgettable wildlife encounter.
As the penguins are wild, their arrival time, numbers and activity vary each evening.
Walking Requirements
Access to the viewing platform involves walking down and back up a long staircase. A moderate level of fitness and comfortable footwear are required.
Please contact us before booking if you have limited mobility so we can discuss whether this tour is suitable for you.
What to Bring
Warm, windproof clothing is essential. The viewing area is exposed, and evenings at Taiaroa Head can be very cold, even during summer. You may be outside for up to an hour while waiting for the penguins to return.
Return Journey
After the penguin viewing, return to Dunedin along Portobello Road, following the edge of Otago Harbour and enjoying a different view of the peninsula.
Complimentary drop-off is available at accommodation within central Dunedin.
The itinerary may be adjusted when necessary due to weather conditions, wildlife activity, road closures or other circumstances beyond our control.