Coastal Adventure: The Ultimate Seals and Penguins Wildlife Tour

If you are looking for a wild encounter on the Otago Peninsula, our Seals and Penguins cross-country tour is the perfect choice. You will travel on a powerful 8-wheel drive all-terrain vehicle. Consequently, this exhilarating journey takes you off the beaten path to witness New Zealand’s rarest creatures in their natural habitats.

Panoramic Views and Cliffside Colonies

Your adventure begins with a climb to the mythical “Maori’s Footprint” location. Because the scenery is so vast, we call it a 720-degree view—you will definitely want to look around twice! From this vantage point, you can see the rugged coastline stretching into the distance.

Next, the vehicle descends from 189 meters above sea level toward the ocean. During the nesting season, we stop at a breeding colony of Spotted Shags. These birds nest directly on a steep cliff face. Below them, the powerful Pacific Ocean crashes against the rocks, creating a dramatic and beautiful scene.

Close Encounters with Fur Seals

As the tour continues, we arrive at a specialized hide designed for wildlife viewing. This location offers a very close encounter with a breeding colony of New Zealand fur seals. You will see adult seals and their playful pups basking on the rocks. Furthermore, you can watch them swim in natural rock pools right in front of you. This stop provides amazing photo opportunities without disturbing the animals.

The Magic of Penguin Beach

Following the seal colony, a beach-front ride takes us toward the highlights of the trip. We use a covered, all-weather track that leads to a purpose-built hide on Penguin Beach. Here, you can witness two incredible species:

• Little Blue Penguins: During the season, you can view these tiny birds resting in their nests.
• Yellow-Eyed Penguins: This beach is home to the rare and shy yellow-eyed penguin. Because of our unique hides, you can often spot them on the sand or in their nests at any time of day.

Reaching the Summit

Finally, we return to the highest point of the farm, sitting at 201 meters above sea level. From here, you can enjoy a final, spectacular 360-degree view of the beautiful Otago Peninsula. It is the perfect way to reflect on your journey before heading back.

Essential Tour Details

• Departure: Tours depart daily starting at 2:30 pm.
• Requirement: There is a group minimum of 2 people for this experience.
• Gear: Since we use all-terrain vehicles and sheltered hides, the tour is comfortable in various weather conditions.

Ultimately, this Seals and Penguins tour offers a deep connection to the unique wildlife of Dunedin. Therefore, you should make sure to book your seat in advance for this unforgettable coastal safari.

Location Details

Departs from Dunedin