Otago Wildlife Cruise, Penguin Reserve & Dunedin Highlights

Otago Wildlife Cruise, Penguin Reserve, Dunedin Highlights (Careys Bay)
Price: $135.00
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Summary

Otago Wildlife Cruise, Penguin Reserve & Dunedin Highlights

Dunedin has one of the finest natural and most scenic harbors in the country, and is considered to be the "wildlife capital" of New Zealand.

Enjoy a cruise around Otago Harbor, and experience a wildlife cruise around Taiaroa Head. See what cannot be seen from land: unrivaled viewing of the exciting diversity of wildlife that abounds on and around Taiaroa Head, the only mainland nesting place for albatross in the world. Taiaroa Head is also home to New Zealand fur seals and the royal albatross colony, along with a fascinating array of other ocean birds and marine mammals, such as mollymawks, petrels, cormorants, and sometimes even dolphins. Upon embarking the boat, morning tea, warm coats, binoculars, and information sheets will be provided.

After your cruise you will transfer by bus to Penguin Place for a guided tour of the Yellow Eyed Penguin Reserve to see the rarest penguin in the world, found only on the south east coast of New Zealand. Short bus trips take small groups into the reserve where your guide will lead you on foot through a unique system of covered trenches into viewing hides, allowing access to the living areas and breeding grounds of this shy penguin. This provides the opportunity to witness and photograph undisturbed activity at close range.

Your tour continues with a scenic drive along the Otago Peninsula. You'll hear about the fascinating geology and the Maori and European history of the area, and enjoy spectacular harbor and ocean views as you head back to Dunedin City. You will be dropped off in the city for sightseeing at your leisure and return back to the ship by one of the shuttles departing regularly from the city center.

Please Note: The downtown area is approximately 20 minutes drive from the cruise pier. Guests are responsible for getting back to their ship in a timely manner and at their own cost. Some cruise lines do offer shuttle service. Please check on board if this is a complimentary service or not. There is a restroom on the boat and also at the Yellow Eyed Penguin reserve. As tour does not return until mid-afternoon, guests with special dietary needs may wish to bring along an additional snack.

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