For nature and wildlife enthusiasts, no place is more pleasing to visit than the South Island’s Otago Peninsula. An idyllic spot, just a 30-minute drive from Dunedin, the peninsula has world-famous marine wildlife, including the royal albatross and the rare New Zealand sea lion. See the country’s only castle here too. Historic sites and walkways that take you to sheer cliff faces over the ocean complete an exciting itinerary on the South Island’s eastern coast.
Start your Otago Peninsula getaway with walking and wildlife viewing on one of the peninsula’s many coastal and rural pathways. Sandfly Bay, the Sandymount summit and the stunning Chasm and Lovers Leap viewpoints are all top trekking destinations. Another option is climbing to the top of Harbour Cone, at 1,030 feet (315 meters) above sea level and featuring amazing views that reach as far as Dunedin and Taiaroa Head.
For the best chance of seeing the endangered yellow-eyed penguin, head to Bushy Beach in the late afternoon. The beach is closed to the public after mid afternoon, so bring binoculars and view the birds from cliff-top vistas.
Venture to Sandfly Bay, Allans Beach and Victory Beach to watch sea lions. To view the famous royal albatross, visit the Royal Albatross Centre, where you can see the great birds in flight and tour a nesting site. Stop at the royal albatross colony at Taiaroa Head, the world’s only mainland albatross breeding site.
Be sure to visit Larnach Castle Garden, a top New Zealand attraction selected as a Garden of International Significance. The well-restored royal residence has 7 acres (3 hectares) of award-winning gardens, including the Patterned Garden, Lost Rock Garden, Serpentine Walk and Rain Forest. Gardeners will also love Glenfalloch Garden, which offers four seasons of foliage, from rhododendrons and azaleas to magnolias and fuchsias.
Visiting the Otago Peninsula is a spectacular scenic daytrip. Drive along Portobello Road from Dunedin, then travel along the coastal roads and various side routes to reach a number of wildlife-viewing areas and historic sites.
