Conservation Matters
🦉Orokonui is currently open on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. As such we are only able to offer this tour on those days until further notice. Our hope is that hours will expand into summer as we see more visitors to our beautiful region but in the meantime if you are looking for a tour outside of these days please browse our other tours to see if something would suit you🦉
Join us for this inspiring, conservation adventure around Dunedin and the Otago region.
"Tour and Tour Guide at their best" - Frans and Monica on TripAdvisor
"Very cool places and super flexible! 100% recommend..." - Katherine on TripAdvisor​​​​
Description:
Departing promptly in the morning we will head straight up to Orokonui Ecosanctuary - A step back in time to a place where the birds song is deafening and the trees blow in the wind like yesteryear. Here you will learn about some of New Zealand's most endangered native birds and the difficulties they face today. An easy to moderate walk of approximately 1 and a half hours on formed tracks allows us to see and experience native New Zealand. Highlights here will include the chance to see Takahe, Kaka, Tui, Bellbirds, Kereru and Fantails all the while supporting the maintenance of this predator-free habitat.
After this pleasant walk we will be ready for a cuppa so we will slowly wind our way down to Dunedin City and find a spot for lunch (own cost). Beautiful views of the Otago Harbour and Otago Peninsula await us on this stunning drive.
A quick drive through the city and we are on our way to the Otago Peninsula.
A beautiful drive around the bays and inlets of Otago Harbour will give us opportunity to view coastal wading birds and other native species that inhabit this area.
Next to a penguin conservation reserve for Yellow-eyed Penguins where we have the chance to view Yellow-eyed Penguins in their natural environment and also learn about this unusual and extremely endangered penguin.
Finally we head out to Taiaroa Head where we have a chance to see Royal Albtross, Otago and Stewart Island Shags and many other Pelagic birds. With a wingspan of 3.2m the Royal Albatross is a magnificent bird to see in flight!
On the drive back to town, share your photos and chat with fellow conservationists while Mateo gets you safely back to your hotel.
*The duration of this trip is such that it is not suitable as a shore excursion for cruise ship passengers*
Possible birds we will encounter:
- Takahe
- Kaka
- Tui
- Bellbird
- Grey Warbler
- Rifleman
- Fantail
- Fernbird
- Kereru
- Tomtit
- Silvereye
- Pied Stilt
- Variable Oyster Catcher
- Paradise Shell Duck
- Pukeko
- White-faced Heron
- Royal Spoonbill
- Black Swan
- Sacred Kingfisher
- Swamp Harrier
- Yellow-eyed Penguin
- Red-billed Gull
- Black-backed Gull
- Royal Albatross
- Stewart Island Shag
- Otago Shag
*We cannot guarantee any or all of the wildlife will be seen on every tour - it is wild after all, and that's the way we want it to stay! But we are confident you will experience some special viewing moments whilst learning about and enjoying the best of what's on offer on the day of your tour*
Duration:
Full-day - 8 hours (approx.)
What is included:
- Transport (Hotel to Hotel, or to/from Port of Otago)
- Mateo - your local guide offering expert commentary and keeping you comfortable all day
- All entrance fees to Orokonui Ecosanctuary and Penguin Place conservation reserve
What to bring:
- A warm, waterproof jacket
- A sunhat and sunscreen
- Your camera
- Your binoculars
- Comfortable walking shoes
Our promises to you:
- untamedNZ pride ourselves on small group touring - we guarantee you will have 8 or fewer people in your tour group.
Cancellations:
For this tour our standard cancellation policy appplies:
- Cancellations more than 1 week before departure - 90% refund
- Cancellations more than 48 hours before departure - 50% refund
- Cancellations less than 48 hours before departure - no refund
