Bubble Tour - Penguins

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New Zealand is now in LEVEL 2 and as such untamedNZ tour company will be delivering a limited itinerary to ensure your safety and ours. From now until 30th June 2020 (potentially extended) we will be delivering 'bubble tours' i.e. a single family group, bubble etc will travel as a private charter thus eliminating potential contamination by not mixing individual bookings. We are offering you a  very special rate for these 'bubble tours' as a thank you for being part of the team and helping get New Zealand through this difficult time!

Please note: 'bubble tours' will have a minimum 2pax charge. 

 

untamedNZ tour company offers you the chance to see the world's most endangered penguin - the Yellow-eyed Penguin, along with beautiful views of the Otago Peninsula on this half day tour.

"Dunedin - magic nature, NZ's historic city" Vanessa on TripAdvisor

"Incredible visit, amazing guide!" Claudia on TripAdvisor

Description:

Departing from the city we promptly head for the beautiful Otago Peninsula. Taking in views along the high road, learn about Dunedin's pioneers and early european settlers who arrived in the 1840's.

Winding our way down to the bays and inlets of the Otago Peninsula we will be keeping a close eye out for any wildlife spotted along the way.

If the wind is strong enough we will head to Taiaroa Head where we have the chance to spot Royal Albatross. With a 3.2m wingspan these majestic birds are impressive to view in-flight!

Finally, the pièce de résistance is viewing Yellow-eyed Penguins - the world's most endangered penguin living right here in beautiful Aotearoa, NZ. We visit a private conservation reserve to learn about the struggles these penguins are facing, what is being done to help them and we have the chance to see these wonderful creatures in their natural habitat. Marvellous photo opportunities abound here and we can take pleasure in knowing that our entrance fee is directly supporting the conservation of Yellow-eyed Penguins here in Otago and Southland. Please note: this component of the tour involves a moderate walk of approximately one and a half hours that does involve some stairs (both up and down).

Each month is different at Penguin Place so please use this chart to get an idea of what might be happening at the time of your visit and read below for the latest update:

May 2020 - WINTER update: We are currently experiencing record low numbers of Yellow-eyed Penguins - a 76% decrease in the total population over the last two decades has been devastating. Viewing will be variable and we never expect to see quantity but rather we focus on quality of the viewing. 

We are through the breeding season now and into the penguin holiday time. This is one of the most exciting times to go Penguin spotting. For most of the day the penguins spend their time feeding out at sea and then typically return home in the late afternoon. We are trying to spot them as they exit the water and waddle to their cosy sleeping spots. Some days viewing will be incredible, others it will be a wild goose chase, it just depends how the Yellow-eyed Penguins are feeling. Little blue penguins and NZ fur seals are still a major and regular attraction in the wild.

The Yellow-eyed Penguin is at severe risk. This is a penguin whose prognosis is potential mainland extinction within the next 10-20 years! Your entrance fees to Penguin Place (included in the tour price) go directly towards the conservation of these wonderful creatures...you can help save the Yellow-eyed Penguin from extinction by joining us on tour! If you would like any further updates on the expected viewing before booking please email us

Duration:

4.5 hours (approx.)

What is included:

  • Transport (Hotel to Hotel, iSite, Octagon, Dunedin, or to/from Private Accomodation)
  • Mateo - your local guide offering expert commentary and keeping you comfortable all afternoon
  • Entrance fee and guided tour at Penguin Place conservation reserve

What to bring:

  • A warm, waterproof jacket
  • A sunhat and sunscreen
  • Your camera
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Money/Credit Card for gifts/souvenirs

Our promises to you:

  • untamedNZ pride ourselves on small group touring - your 'Bubble Tour - Penguins' will be a private charter for you and your bubble.

Departure:

Departure times from Dunedin City for this tour vary during the year to ensure that we are at Penguin Place conservation reserve during prime viewing time and are as follows:

  • October – N/A
  • November – 10.00am
  • December – 10.00am
  • January – 10.00am
  • February – 10.00am
  • March – 10.00am
  • April – 2.30pm
  • May – 1.30pm
  • June – 1.00pm
  • July – 1.00pm
  • August – 1.30pm
  • September – 2.30pm