Otago Peninsula

Wicked wildlife and castles

Dunedin is one of the few places in the world to boast such a diverse range of wildlife all within easy reach of the city.

Dunedin's Otago Peninsula offers it all — from frolicking seal pups and lazy sea lions, to thriving populations of rare yellow-eyed penguins and the only accessible mainland colony of Northern Royal Albatross in the world. Watching these enormous birds with their 3.3m wingspan swoop in to feed their young at the Royal Albatross Centre on Taiaroa Head, will remain a highlight of your visit.

Later, as the sun sinks low on the horizon, small yellow-eyed penguins bob up and down in Otago Peninsula's thunderous surf before catching a wave to shore. Yellow-eyed penguins can be viewed from a number of hides provided by DoC along the coastline. These extraordinary birds share space with the rare Hooker sea lion and the New Zealand fur seal.

When you've had your fill of wildlife, Otago Peninsula offers another unique experience at Larnach Castle, New Zealand's only castle. Surrounded by gardens of national significance, Larnach Castle is a sight to behold. More than 200 artisans were responsible for constructing its exterior and it took 12 years to complete its native wood, Italian marble, English tiles and Venetian glass interior. Naturally, the views are spectacular with Aramoana to the north, the beaches of St Kilda and St Clair to the south, the city centre to the west, and to the east – the mighty albatross gliding above Taiaroa Head.