Otago Peninsula
The Otago Peninsula, stretches almost from the city on the southern side of the Otago harbour. Just a few minutes drive from the city centre will have you passing scenic bays and farmland. The Otago Peninsula is one of New Zealand's most renowned eco tourism areas and its most famous residents are the Royal albatross. At the tip of the peninsular is Taiaroa Head and here you will find the only mainland breeding colony of albatross in the world.
Larnach Castle and Gardens
Larnach is New Zealand's only Castle, built in 1871 by politician and merchant, William Larnach, a man of great vision who helped shape New Zealand's early history. It was built for William's beloved first wife Eliza; it took 200 workmen three years to build the shell and a further twelve years were spent by master craftsmen to embellish the interior. The Castle is located high up on the Otago Peninsula and looks down on Dunedin city giving beautiful views. The gardens have an International Garden of Significance status and have a unique collection of antiques, including a unique nine piece Totara knot suite. The Ballroom cafe is a fantastic place to rest and reflect on all you have seen while enjoying a delicious range of refreshments. As with the entire castle, the ballroom had an interesting and varied history prior to its beautiful restoration, uses ranged from an asylum, antique sales room to the penning of sheep. In this self guided exploration of the castle and gardens, you are free to discover on your own.
Castle to Cruise Tour and Penguin Place
Today you'll explore the wildlife and history of the Otago Peninsula. You'll be welcomed to the MV Monarch for a wildlife cruise around Taiaroa Head, home to the world's only mainland nesting site for royal albatross. Scattered along the rocks you'll also see New Zealand fur seals basking in the sun and possibly New Zealand sea lions on the beach. In the water you may also see penguins, dolphins and other marine birds. Back on land you'll take a guided tour of New Zealand's only castle, Larnach Castle built in 1871. Learn of the scandals and history of the castle and explore the beautiful garden of international significance. Your final stop of the day is to The Otango Peninsula Eco Restoration Allaince (formally Penguin Place), a natural nesting site for the rarest penguin in the world, the Yellow Eyed Penguin.
Albatross Classic Tour with Royal Albatross Centre
This 60 minute tour focuses on the Royal Albatrosses and wildlife that inhabit Pukekura (Taiaroa Head). Begin with a short film, then enjoy the informative commentary provided by your guide about albatrosses as you visit the observatory to see nesting albatross in their natural habitat.
Blue Penguins 90 minute Experience with Blue Penguins Pukekura
At dusk, enjoy close up viewing of little penguins returning from a day at sea within the Takiharuru Pilots Beach nature reserve. Watch penguins just a few metres from you as they scurry up the beach to their cliff-face burrows, often stopping just metres away, allowing for awesome viewing and photography of these birds in their natural habitat.
The tour includes a special “behind the scenes” walk through the reserve prior to the penguins emerging from the sea to learn about the flora and fauna of the area. Learn about the endemic plants, their use by early Māori, and see the restoration work of the habitat that benefits penguins and other wildlife. Blue Penguins Pukekura tours are hosted by local expert wildlife guides who share the rich cultural history of the area while also sharing biological knowledge of endemic flora and fauna.
High Tea plus Garden and Castle Entry at Larnach Castle
Larnach is New Zealand's only Castle, built in 1871 by politician and merchant, William Larnach, a man of great vision who helped shape New Zealand's early history. It was built for William's beloved first wife Eliza; it took 200 workmen three years to build the shell and a further twelve years were spent by master craftsmen to embellish the interior. The Castle is located high up on the Otago Peninsula and looks down on Dunedin city giving beautiful views. The gardens have an International Garden of Significance status and have a unique collection of antiques, including a unique nine piece Totara knot suite. The Ballroom cafe is a fantastic place to rest and reflect on all you have seen while enjoying a delicious range of refreshments. As with the entire castle, the ballroom had an interesting and varied history prior to its beautiful restoration, uses ranged from an asylum, antique sales room to the penning of sheep. In this self guided exploration of the castle and gardens, you are free to discover on your own. Your High tea experience includes a selection of homemade sandwiches, slices, scones and cream cake and a pot of tea and is served in the Ballroom Cafe.
Otago Peninsula In-Depth Tour and Blue Penguins Pukekura Experience with Blue Penguins Pukekura
During this tour, you will see and understand the unique ecosystems, wildlife, culture, geology, and botany of the Otago Peninsula. Excellent tour for nature enthusiasts, and for those who want to see and learn as much as possible about the environment, the animals, and the visited places. The tour includes viewing a range of local wildlife, such as penguins, seals, and albatrosses. It is guided by local experts.
