Otago Peninsula Scenery & Little Blue Penguins Evening Tour

Experience the enchanting Otago Peninsula on this 4.5-hour evening tour, where the highlight is witnessing the return of the Little Blue Penguins after a day at sea. Departing from the Octagon, you'll travel along the picturesque Highcliff Road and Hooper's Inlet, with opportunities to spot local wading birds and albatrosses. Enjoy some leisure time before the penguin viewing, perhaps grabbing a hot drink or browsing the souvenir shop. As the sun sets, prepare for a unique wildlife experience as the smallest penguins make their way back to shore.

Itinerary

1. Begin your tour at the Octagon and enjoy a scenic drive along the Otago Peninsula via Highcliff Road, where breathtaking views open out over the ocean and harbour. Continue along a picturesque off-road route around Hooper’s Inlet, where you may encounter a variety of wading birds. Depending on the season and tide, these can include black swans, paradise shelducks, royal spoonbills, pied stilts, oyster catchers, white-faced herons, plovers, and more. This section of the journey offers a wonderful combination of dramatic coastal scenery and rich birdlife in their natural habitat. (1h 30min)
2. You will arrive at Taiaroa Head approximately 30 minutes before the scheduled tour time, giving you an opportunity to explore the area and take in the spectacular coastal scenery. If the wind conditions are favourable, you may even see albatross gliding effortlessly overhead. Taiaroa Head is home to the world’s only mainland breeding colony of these magnificent seabirds. While the guided albatross tour is not included, sightings are very common, as this is their nesting area and they are often seen soaring above the headland. (30 min)
3. oin a 1.5-hour immersive experience to learn all about the world’s smallest penguins — the little blue penguins. The experience begins with a 30-minute informative talk, where you’ll discover fascinating insights into their behaviour, habitat, and daily life. Afterwards, you’ll walk down to Pilot’s Beach to await their return. At sunset, these adorable creatures come ashore after a day of fishing and waddle up to their nesting areas. You’ll be able to observe the penguins from very close range, making this a truly special and memorable encounter. Penguin viewing is guaranteed. Photography is permitted, however flash is strictly not allowed to protect the birds. (1h 30min)
4. After this memorable experience, you will be driven back to the city via Portobello Road, enjoying more beautiful harbour views along the way. Your driver-guide will drop you off at your centrally located accommodation. (50 min) Admission included

Meeting & end point