We invite you to join us for an experience unlike any other in New Zealand on one of our guided Wildlife and Penguin Tour.
Penguins, fur seals, sea lions, shore and land birds, native fauna, and more await you within our private reserve. Best of all, by taking a tour you are joining our work, as tour operations directly fund the conservation, rehabilitation, restoration, and education initiatives at The OPERA.
Meeting points
Please check in at reception.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Itinerary
The Otago Peninsula Eco Restoration Alliance
Our Wildlife & Penguin tour offers the most exclusive opportunity in New Zealand to view the endangered, yellow-eyed penguins (hoiho), in their natural habitat.
This 90-minute guided tour consists of three parts. Our guests begin their experience in a theatre setting, where they learn about the yellow-eyed penguin and our conservation efforts to protect them.
Guests then move into our rehabilitation centre (when penguins are present) where yellow-eyed penguins and other penguin species can be seen up close. Finally, guests take a short bus trip into our reserve where they are guided on an approximately 2km (1.25 mile) nature walk with the potential to see numerous plants and animals, including yellow-eyed penguins and little penguins, fur seals, sea lions, and several species of shore and land birds, all of which reside in the reserve.
1 hour 30 minutes
Sample Menu
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Free Cancellation
September 13100% refund
September 14No refund
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
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We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her
Reviews by TravelOne travelers
Showing 1-5 of 6 reviews with 5 stars
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The Hoiho are so very...
Published on Feb, 2025
The Hoiho are so very special and what you learn and experience here at OPERA is heart warming and beautiful. I want to donate my life to this project, if I could.
The Opera Wildlife Reserve
Published on Feb, 2025
During my cruise stop in Dunedin, I visited the Otago Peninsula Wildlife Reserve, and it was an unforgettable experience. The stunning landscapes, beautiful beaches, and incredible wildlife, including rare yellow-eyed penguins, sea lions, and fur seals, made it the highlight of my trip. The knowledgeable and friendly staff provided an excellent tour, making the visit even more special. If you’re in Dunedin, this reserve is a must-see!
Great afternoon!
Published on Feb, 2025
Great afternoon learning about the work the team do at Opera do with the opportunity to see the wildlife of the surrounding area first hand. Thanks to Siobhan for the tour.
All elements of experience fantastic
Published on Jan, 2025
Great variety of experiences with wonderful staff who were friendly, approachable and informative. Such a highlight to see wildlife up close and the yellow eyed penguin at the Rehabilitation Centre.
Memorable experience!
Published on Jan, 2025
A wonderful tour! We travelled as a group of 12 - and had ages from 7-69. All of us enjoyed the experience. The guides were informative and kept us updated. We loved seeing the fur seal colonies and hearing about the restoration occurring in the area to support the return of the yellow-eyed penguin to the area. The rehab centre was incredible. Well worth the trip to get here.
We had this tour included as part of a tour run by TourWorks - a 7 hour extended tour. Would recommend this tour too!!!
We aware that there is some walking on uneven ground, and some stairs. You may need some level of fitness to participate.
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