Otago Peninsula
Otago Peninsula
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
The Otago Peninsula is a long, hilly indented finger of land that forms the easternmost part of Dunedin, New Zealand. Volcanic in origin, it forms one wall of the eroded valley that now forms Otago Harbour. The peninsula lies south-east of Otago Harbour and runs parallel to the mainland for 20 km, with a maximum width of 9 km. It is joined to the mainland at the south-west end by a narrow isthmus about 1.5 km wide.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Sagacity
London, UK9 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We stayed in accommodation on the Peninsula in no 4, Sandpiper street which I found on a site called Visit Otago Peninsula. There appears to be no feedback site on this accommodation so I’m putting it here. If you intend to stay there be warned there are a number of narrow steep steps , some of them at the top are cobbled, so if you are an older person and with back problems it is a real struggle with heavy luggage. The living unit is pleasant enough , a bit quirky and is self catering but is small with little storage space in the bedroom so probably not ideal if you intend to stay longer. The proprietor Nyree seems nice and doesn’t interfere and she did provide breakfast but not continental as described in her blurb.
The Peninsula is lovely but if you are going to see penguins in the wild you would probably need to book the blue penguin tour at Taiaroa Head in the evening.
The Peninsula is lovely but if you are going to see penguins in the wild you would probably need to book the blue penguin tour at Taiaroa Head in the evening.
Written 9 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
René S
Roskilde, Denmark18 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
A windy day. Only a few albatross were nesting, and since they can lay there for 7-10 days without shifting guard, we did not se any flying albatross.
But it is interesting and very well kept area. Tourists are guided and minimum disturbance to the birds are of high priority.
Lots of seagulls in the area and they ‘do their thing’ all over the place - so please look out!
But it is interesting and very well kept area. Tourists are guided and minimum disturbance to the birds are of high priority.
Lots of seagulls in the area and they ‘do their thing’ all over the place - so please look out!
Written 21 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FredRocha
Rio de Janeiro, RJ74 contributions
Jan 2020
Otago Peninsula is a portion of New Zealand that you must include in your travel if you are visiting the South Island. There you have many attractions and activities including the Moreaki bolders in Bolder Beach, the Albatross Centre, the Yellow Eyed Penguin and much more wild species. In Dunedin you have a set of free attractions, including the Otago Museum, the Baldwin street (the second more steep street in the world), the Art Gallery. In this city you have a large set of good restaurants in which you can find good food from different countries like Vietnamese, Chinese, Italian, french and Indian food,among other. Most restaurants are located in the very central area known as "The Octogon" which received this name based on the design of the general plan of the streets which has the form of an Octagon. Otago Peninsula is a place to you to know when visiting the eastern portion of South Island of New Zealand.
Written 15 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ian W
Brisbane, Australia75 contributions
Mar 2020
Short drive started out in sunshine, took a couple of back roads and got a little 'delayed' then had to hurry back to the car at Lovers Leap because of heavy cloud and rain. We saw enough to be impressed with the rugged countryside and beautiful views to the ocean. Take the time for this short road trip.
Written 5 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
alant889
Durban, South Africa70 contributions
Jan 2020
The scenary in this area is overwhelming and well worth a visit. The road trip along the southern end of the bay from Dunedin to Portabello was a great experience.The city is aa excellent stop-over point on your way further south towards Invercargill.
Written 11 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chimayred
Durham, NH2,557 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
Probably not ranked on the top ten of NZ list, but having visited much of NZ since 2008 it still impressed. Beautiful peninsula with pacific on one side and otago harbor on the other, and then the mainland. You can drive on the harbour road or up on Highcliff Road. In addition to scenery there is Larnach castle, some gardens, several small towns, among them Portobello with a few cafes and restaurants, one of which i tried, which was very good. Beautiful views. It was not initially my destination in and of itself; it was the Albtross center, but as the tours were booked, i found the drive out alone was worth it. The center is pretty spectacular ona bluff at the end of the peninsula with a small cliff walk with a really terrific view, with the view of the harbor inlet on the other side. There’s a lot of construction improving the road and bike path, so beware, but the bike path will really be worth it after it’s expanded and the ride was delightful.
Written 21 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stewarts Vacation
1,543 contributions
Dec 2021
There is a narrow (but safe!) road which hugs the coastline giving picturesque views all the way from Dunedin to the Royal Albatross Centre at Taiaroa Head. I suggest taking the Highcliff road for the return journey as the elevation affords panoramic views of this stunning area. There is a good deal to see and do, so allow ample time for walks, sighting wildlife, visiting significant places like museums, gardens, Larnach Castle or the Royal Albatross Centre.
Written 29 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grant N
Hastings, New Zealand1,517 contributions
Apr 2021
We stayed out on the peninsula at a house right on the harbour. The road is narrow but easily driveable. Small bus shelters come up every so often and they're all decorated with murals which are very good. It's a really picturesque drive and well worth doing
Written 21 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Doug K
35 contributions
May 2021
Fantastic area for wildlife and walking - even in winter time if you are prepared. Seals and sea lions are to be found on some beaches and, if you are lucky, yellow eyed penguins. On the tip of the peninsula is the albatross sanctuary which is very interesting and has a cafe with basic yummy food.
Written 6 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BigBrian_11
Tring, UK441 contributions
Feb 2020
Did the whole trip along this peninsula in my quest to see the Northern Royal Albatrosses at Taiaroa Head (Pukekura). To start with it was very slow going due to the many roadworks along this coastal road. Once away from the traffic it is a beautiful drive. The scenery is terrific. Quite an up-and-down journey though. When outside in the open the winds seem like gale force. Our mini bus driver brought us back on the uphill inland route & it was a really pleasant change of scenery again. Well worth doing.
Written 28 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Would you provide me with the scenic route that you took of the Otago Peninsula?
Written 28 December 2018
Hi Mary, Apologies for not responding earlier, I only just saw your question. There is really only one road that goes to the OP, easy to find just look on google maps or use a navigation system. I would recommend taking the return trip via the higher road rather than the coastal one. Hope this helps? It’s an absolutely wonderful part of the world. We stayed at a great air B and B with a lovely lady whilst we were there. Happy to share her details with you if you like?
Written 5 February 2019
If you want to see as much wildlife as possible, is the Monarch Cruise worth it Vs the Albatross Centre or Natureswonder trips?
Written 13 September 2018
we did the Monach trip, which was great as it went a far way out to sea so you saw the Albertross where they usually sit on the water. We also did the land based one, this is where you learn all about them breeding and in their nests, and the other wild life. so do both if you can.
Written 30 December 2018
I m planning to visit newzeal as 2n aucklans 1 n bay of island 2n rotorua 4n queenstown.is it okkk or suggest me
Written 9 February 2018
is it worth to visit dunedin . as i m confused. i m panning to visit newzealand in may 9n 10dys. 3 n auckland 2 n rotorua 4n queens town. if dunedin is worth tjen i can spend one more day. actually i m interested in visiting penguins can i watch them or its not sure that we can see penguins . its just by luck.
Written 8 February 2018
One day is enough in Dunedin we only stayed on route to Christchurch. The penguins only come ashore in the evening and I think you have to do the tour to see them.
Written 14 February 2018
We intend to spend our Christmas day driving the Peninsula. What are our chances of finding any shops or cafes open?
Written 16 November 2016
Sorry I have no idea about on Christmas Day but there are great views and walks. There are a lot of tourists so a cafe or bakery may be open and it should be open in Dunedin which is the start of the peninsula 8:30 is the best time to be at the end of the peninsula to see penguins coming back from fishing for food during the day. We missed that and wished we had been there later in the day to see that
Written 1 December 2016
We are spending 2 nights in Dunedin at the end of March. (but we will be arriving late afternoon the first day). We want to see Penquin Place, the Albatross colony, perhaps Lanarch castle, and just generally tour the whole peninsula. We are on a self-drive tour. Someone suggested that for all we wanted to see we may want to book a Monarch Wildlife cruise that lasts all day. That way we wouldn't have to drive between all the stops and then, of course, still pay the fees for each activity. Right about now, having someone else drive for a day is sounding pretty good. but the Monarch tour is quite expensive. How would you suggest one sees the most of the Otago Peninsula in that one day?
Written 10 October 2016
I think self driving gives more flexibility and we just toured the peninsula in one day with a car. Very narrow roads but wonderful views and plan in being at the end of the peninsula for an 8:30 pm view if penguins coming in for the day
You can buy a ticket at the end of the peninsula or try and see them
On your own but I would do a ticket at the albatross center
Written 1 December 2016
Hello !
Can someone tell me if walking there is doable or not? I don't have a car, I'm travelling by bus. And what track should I do once on the peninsula ?
Thanks ;)
Written 13 March 2016
Most of the buses stop at Portobello so you are still 10k from the Albatross centre. You can walk from Portobello to Allans Beach (5K) or to Sandymount (10k+).
Written 14 March 2016
Hi,
Do you have to join a group tour to see the Penguins? Or we can visit ourselves?
Thanks!
Written 11 February 2016
It is a difficult question to answer but I can give some advice based on my own experience of the Pensinsula, having been there five or six times.
New Zealand has become very 'commercial' over the past decade and, with the terrible exchange rate, what was once a cheap destination where many of the 'sights' were free, has become a pretty expensive place to visit.
Firstly, the penguins: I haven't personally visited Penguin Place as one used tobe able to get down to that beach for free BUT you can still see yellow-eyed penguins and sea-lions at Sandfly Bay. The penguins tend to come in at dusk so one has to be patient. There is a hide there for keeping watch but you will still need binoculars. Also, walking up out of Sandfly Bay is quite a struggle unless you are moderately fit as it is steep and the sand is quite deep. It is worth a visit though and there are often sea-lions on the beach during the day ansd it is possible to get close to them - but don't get too close and try not to walk between them and the see as that is their escape route and they may feel threatened.
Another beach to visit is Allans Beach where again one can often see sea-lions.
As for the Albatross Sanctuary - it is very expensive and, in my opinion, not worth the money. One can often see albatrosses flying overhead when sitting in the car-park but it's obviously not guaranteed. The Monarch cruise does go on the sea side of the sanctuary so, if you do decide to take the cruise then you have a good chance of seeing the albatrosses.
I hope you enjoy your trip. We will be there for the whole on January visiting family who live on the Pensinsula.
Written 11 November 2016
Are there places for seabird-watching on Otago without having to do any tours please? With so many things to see, and little time, I'm not sure we can manage to fit in all the tours!
Written 15 January 2015
Only just saw this question, so the answer might be too late.
I personally would not bother with the tours unless you are not keen to drive yourself.
Hire a car for a couple of days and base yourself in Portobello. [I can recommend the Portobello Hotel run by Sue and Keith Rhodes].
From there you can drive out to Taeroa Head and even from the car park you'll see lots of sea-birds. Personally, I wouldn't bother with the albatross sanctuary unless you have money to burn. I have seen albatrosses from the car-park itself.
If you are reasonably fit and able, then visit Sandfly Bay in the later afternoon/early evening. There you can see penguins, sea-lions, oystercatchers and plenty of other bird-life. Oh, it won't cost you a penny either.
Other beaches to visit, are Victory Beach and Allan's Beach, both of which are beautiful and abound with wildlife.
Enjoy your trip.
Written 7 April 2015
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