It’s like a safari, but in Dunedin. Ōtepoti / Dunedin is a coastal city, and nothing is too far away. That means the coastal terrain and the species that live there are just a short drive away from the city centre. Some of the spectacular wildlife in Dunedin can be observed in their natural habitat, and some are seen in wildlife refuges where passionate people are involved in conserving and supporting rare and endangered species. Wildlife tours are plentiful and there’s a real sense of care for the places and wildlife that are visited during these experiences. Whether it’s on the land or the sea, you won’t regret setting about on a guided tour. Here’s what to expect to see in the wild in Dunedin.
1. Yellow-eyed penguins with Penguin Place
The hoiho / yellow-eyed penguin is a rare species, endemic to New Zealand. They are considered threatened – nationally endangered, and conservation efforts like those from The Yellow-Eyed Penguin Trust in Dunedin are working to support these fantastic species. Penguin Place offers tours to their rehabilitation centre where you can learn about the yellow-eyed penguin and the conservation work they carry out. Get a glimpse of these penguins roaming in the Penguin Place reserve, or in their rehabilitation centre. The conservation work they do here is uniquely funded by tourism, meaning everything they do to conserve these penguins is funded by guided tours. Donations can also be made to support the rehabilitation centre.
Venture to the yellow-eyed penguin breeding area with Natures Wonders tours to see these creatures along the beautiful coast. Monarch Wildlife Cruises and Tours team up with the crew at Penguin Place so you can visit the penguins and enjoy a harbour cruise, where you’ll spot other wonderful birds and sea life.
The kororā / little blue penguin can also be seen in Dunedin on a Blue Penguins wildlife tour.
2. Royal Albatross at The Royal Albatross Centre
With an average wingspan of around three metres, the Royal Albatross is an incredible sight. These seabirds aren’t easy to come across, but Dunedin is home to the world’s only mainland breeding colony. The Royal Albatross Centre offers visitors a chance to witness these magnificent birds from an observatory. It’s here that you see them raising their young, or flying by in majestic fashion. Learn about these birds from knowledgeable guides, and explore the underground tunnel system hidden beneath the albatross colony to see some fascinating military history.
The Royal Albatross Centre is on Harington Point, a scenic drive down the Portobello Peninsula road. Enjoy views out to the harbour and beyond.
3. New Zealand Fur Seals
The kekeno / New Zealand fur seal hangs out along the Otago Peninsula, and can often be spotted in popular coastal Dunedin locations. Spend a day exploring Pilots Beach, Allans Beach and other areas of the coastline to see these fur seals. A day of adventuring can start with wildlife spotting and lead to discovering other natural wonders such as ‘the pyramids’ at Victory Beach and the quirky cliffs and walking tracks at Sandymount. Level up your wildlife spotting with a guided tour to learn more about the New Zealand fur seals as they sunbathe in front of you. Elm Wildlife Tours offers a fantastic peninsula tour where you encounter the various species living on the shores.
4. Takahē at Orokonui Ecosanctuary
Tour Dunedin and discover why this city is the wildlife capital of New Zealand, with refuges like the Orokonui Ecosanctuary in the Orokonui Valley. This 307-hectare sanctuary is home to a variety of endangered species and native wildlife. A self-guided walk is a fantastic way to explore at your own pace, without booking ahead of time. The ecosanctuary runs a number of guided tours, from one-hour introductions to speciality tours and programmes. The iconic tuatara roam around the grasslands of the ecosanctuary and bathe in the sun on warm days. There are over 100 of these ancient reptiles living here, so you’ll spot one if you’re lucky. Takahē are classified as a vulnerable species, and it’s a truly special sight seeing the two pairs of takahē at Orokonui Ecosanctuary. A small population of tokoeka / Southern brown kiwi live in Orokouni too. Though they are nocturnal, keep an eye out for holes that these endangered birds leave around when they feed at night.
For more on the conservation efforts at the ecosanctuary and to learn how you can get involved, check out their website here.
5. New Zealand Sea Lions
When you think of unique Dunedin wildlife, you may think of New Zealand sea lions. These impressive mammals can be seen on the shores of the Otago Peninsula around Dunedin, and watching them go about their lives is spectacular. They’re one of the rarest sea lion species in the world, and they’re endangered. You’ll only see them in New Zealand. Breeding locations are known to be in Dunedin, Southland and Rakiura / Stewart Island. They’re protective by nature, so be sure to give them a wide berth and admire them from afar.
This article was created in paid partnership with Dunedin NZ.
