About This Tour
Visit the habitat of the world's rarest penguin. Walk through a private nature reserve on this guided tour for a chance to see the endangered Yellow Eyed Penguin, Little Blue Penguins and NZ Fur seals in the wild. Specially designed hides allow for close viewing of Yellow Eyed Penguins in their nesting habitat *please note the penguins are not kept in captivity in the reserve and they may not always be visible from the hides. A visit to the penguin rehabilitation hospital is also included in this tour. This tour also visits the Royal Albatross Colony for a guided tour of the nesting area. Lookouts, photo stops and full commentary provided throughout. Also included is a brief tour of Dunedin's main city sights.
Photo Gallery

Royal Albatross Centre

Little Blue Penguin

Penguin Place

Port Chalmers and Otago Peninsula


TopTours Insights
Iconic Wildlife Tour with Yellow Eyed Penguins & Royal Albatross
This 7-hour boat tour navigates coastal waters to observe yellow-eyed penguins and royal albatross in their natural habitat. It offers a relaxed pace and an opportunity to see diverse wildlife up close. This tour is ideal for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a calm, observational wildlife experience.
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What's Included
Additional Information
Meeting Point
City based passengers meet us at the main entrance to Dunedin Railway Station. Pickup time will be 30 minutes after scheduled departure time from Port Chalmers (i.e. 9:30am). Please be ready 10 minutes prior.
Cruise ship passengers meet us inside the Visitor Building on ship's wharf Port Chalmers, Dunedin. Look out for our guide holding a sign "ICONIC WILDLIFE TOUR" Start time is 9am.
Special Instructions
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended • If your ship is delayed we will wait for you as long as possible. If you are lost please ask one of the I-Site staff in the terminal or call us direct on +0064 3 472 7776 • This tour will return to the ship's wharf at least 1 hour prior to ship's departure Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time. Tour departs within walking distance of the cruise port
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
✓ Free cancellation due to bad weather
Tour Operator
Iconic Tours NZ Ltd
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Iconic Wildlife Tour with Yellow Eyed Penguins & Royal Albatross
Who operates this experience?
This experience is operated by Iconic Tours NZ Ltd.
What's included?
This tour includes Cruise Port pickup and drop off; Please meet us inside the Visitor Building on ship's wharf, Entry fees to Royal Albatross guided tour, and Entry fees to The OPERA (Yellow Eyed Penguin guided tour). All inclusions are provided by the tour operator.
How long is this tour?
The experience lasts approximately 7 hours, giving you time to fully enjoy your chosen activity.
Can I cancel this tour?
If weather conditions are unsafe, the tour may be canceled by the operator. In such cases, you'll be offered a refund or reschedule.
Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation is included. Hotel pickup and drop-off are typically provided.
What to expect on this tour?
This tour experience lasts approximately 7 hours and includes all necessary equipment and guidance. You'll have access to Cruise Port pickup and drop off; Please meet us inside the Visitor Building on ship's wharf and more.
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