The beautiful blue waters and towering cliffs with quiet bays of this place will enthrall you. Furthermore, this wildlife sanctuary is home to a breeding colony of the world’s largest seabird. The northern royal albatross. For this reason, Taiaroa Head Otago, New Zealand is one of the unique places you must put on your list of places to see.
Activity/Place Highlights
Royal Northern Albatross
One of the things you will be enthralled by is the soar of a northern royal albatross. Even though it has 10-foot.wide (3 meters) wingspan it soars silently. It will beeline back to its nest. Where hidden in the grass, its fuzzy, snow-white chick waits eagerly for morsels of fish scooped from the cold Pacific waters.
Additionally, the headland has the only mainland breeding colony of the world’s largest seabird. Furthermore, this colony is now protected through the Royal Albatross Centre nature reserve.
Yellow Eyed Penguin
At dusk on the nearby beach, you will see the world’s rarest penguin.
After its daily fishing trip, the Yellow-Eyed Penguin surfs back to shore. Additionally, you will get the opportunity to observe them resting briefly on the sandy beach.
Blue Penguins and New Zealand Fur Seals
Furthermore, at Pilots Beach, another secluded inlet. You will observe blue penguins scamper past a pod of New Zealand fur seals.
How to get there
Taiaroa Head is a 40-minute drive along the peninsula from Dunedin Airport (DUD).
When to go
It’s perfectly fine to go all year-round, although from early November when young albatross and penguins are born. In addition, through late March there is a greater abundance of marine wildlife to observe.
How long
Half a day will be enough time to take in the sites.
Opening and Closing Hours
Taiaroa Head is opened every day at 10:30 am. The first scheduled tour is from 10:30 am. Please note it is closed on Christmas day.
Planning
I recommend you book the Unique Taiaroa Tour. It includes the Albatross & Fort Taiaroa, 1.5-hour Guided Tour. Please make sure to book at least a few days in advance
Prices valid until 30 September 2019
Adult – $62
Child – $20 (5 – 17 years)
Family – $134 (2 adults, up to 3 children.
This guided tour is the most popular tour. It highlights the story of the Northern Royal Albatross and the history of Pukekura/Taiaroa Head.
Inside Information
Accommodations and car rental are available in Dunedin. Furthermore, for up-close viewing, visit the Royal Albatross Centre of Penguins Place, which is open year-round.
Please note, advance reservations are required. From mid-September through late November the albatross observatory is closed during the breeding season.
History
The headland is named for Te Matenga Taiaroa, a 19th-century Māori chief of the Ngai Tahu iwi. It has been established from 1650 and was occupied by Māori til the 1840s.
Historically, several commercial whaling stations established itself on the peninsula and the number of whales in this area were heavily exploited.
Websites
- www.otago-penninsula.com.ns,
- www.albatross.org.nz,
- www.penguinplace.co.nz
Other nearby attractions
Otago Cathedral
The Cathedral of Otago is one of the places Dunedin must visit. It is 10 minutes walk from the railway station. Furthermore, the church is composed of several pointed arches. Additionally, it has booster flying arches. Most notably the stained glass on three sides and the church organ pipes on both sides of the main altar.
Otago Peninsula
There are many wild animals in the Otago Peninsula. Not to mention, the wild penguin is charming. Furthermore, sea lions and seals can be seen everywhere whilst on the shore.
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