Things to do in Otago Peninsula
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Nature’s Wonders
Situated just 1km past the albatross colony, and based on a large sheep farm that covers most of the peninsula’s tip, Nature’s Wonders runs one-hour tours that take you up close to Stewart Island shags, NZ fur seals, and finally along a private little beach to a yellow-eyed penguin colony, where you can get within metres of the birds without disturbing them. The tour is conducted in ‘go-anywhere’ Argos vehicles and is an exciting combo of improbable scenery and wildlife adventure. It’s worth it for the beautiful vistas alone.
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Yellow-Eyed Penguin Conservation Reserve
The Yellow-Eyed Penguin Conservation Reserve has replanted the penguins’ breeding grounds, built nesting sites, cared for sick and injured birds and trapped predators. Ninety-minute tours include a talk on penguin conservation and close-up viewing from a system of hides. You can see the birds all year round, but summer is best. Between October and March, tours run regularly from 10.15am to 90 minutes before sunset; between April and September they’re just from 3.15pm to 4.45pm. The tours are popular, so book ahead.
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Larnach Castle
Standing proudly on the peninsula’s highest point, Larnach Castle was an extravagance of the Dunedin merchant, banker and politician William Larnach. Built in 1871 to impress his French-nobility-descended wife (she apparently didn’t like it much), the ostentatious, Gothic mansion is filled with exquisite antique furnishings. Larnach committed suicide in Parliament House in 1898, financially ruined, and with his latest wife and favourite son romantically linked.
reviewed
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Royal Albatross Centre
Taiaroa Head, at the peninsula’s eastern tip, has the world’s only mainland royal albatross colony. The best time to visit is from December to February, when one parent is constantly guarding the young while the other delivers food throughout the day. Sightings are most common in the afternoon when the winds pick up; calm days don’t see much bird action. The only public access is through the Royal Albatross Centre. One-hour tours (adult/child $45/22.50) include viewing from a glassed-in hut overlooking the nesting sites. There’s no viewing from mid-September to late November, and from late November to December the birds are nestbound so it’s difficult to see that magnific…
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Marine Studies Centre
The Marine Studies Centre has octopuses, seahorses, crayfish, sharks and a huge pink model squid. Help with fish-feeding (Wednesday and Saturday 2pm to 3pm), or join a guided tour at 10.30am (adult/child/family $21/11/48 for entry plus tour). The centre showcases the work of the adjacent university-run marine laboratory.
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Glenfalloch Woodland Garden
Glenfalloch Woodland Garden covers 12 hectares with flowers, walking tracks and swaying, mature trees including a 1000-year-old matai. Expect spectacular harbour views. The Portobello bus stops out the front.
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Monarch Wildlife Cruises & Tours
One-hour boat trips from Wellers Rock (adult/child $45/20), and half- ($85/30) and full-day ($210/105) tours from Dunedin. Include breeding grounds for sea lions, penguins, albatross and seals often inaccessible by land.
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1908 Café
Salmon, venison and steak are joined by fresh fish and blackboard specials, and there’s a box of toys for the kids. It’s a beautiful old building, cheerfully embellished with local art.
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Allens Beach
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Victory Beach
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Te Rauone Beach
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Silver Peaks Reserve
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Portobello Hotel
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Portobello Coffee Shop & Café
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Pipikaretu Beach
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Pilot Beach
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Papanui Beach
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Otakau Marau
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Orokonui Ecosanctuary
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Mihiwaka
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Lovers Leap
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Lighthouse
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Hare Hill
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Chick's Hotel
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Catholic Church
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