Yellow-Eyed Penguin Conservation Reserve Tours

Visit Yellow-Eyed Penguin Conservation Reserve

Tours & day trips

History & culture

Private & custom tours

Passionate about animal conservation? So is Yellow-Eyed Penguin Conservation Reserve. Plan a visit and discover what steps this place is taking to preserve some amazing wildlife.

There's an admission fee to visit this wildlife safe haven, which is situated in Dunedin. But there's plenty more to see around these parts than just Yellow-Eyed Penguin Conservation Reserve. Penguin Place, Royal Albatross Centre and Lighthouse are also worth adding to your schedule.

Popular places to visit

This piece of land on the Otago Peninsula was made into a reserve in the 1980's, to make sure it would always be protected for the Yellow Eyed Penguins. It is a self-funded conservation project that provides for the birds that make it their home - the nests are provided and their habitat is maintained and restored, there is a research program and a hospital for injured or sick birds.

The tour takes you to the opposite coast where you can see the penguins come into shore and learn about their strange ways. We saw yellow eyed penguins, little blues and also fur seals. The yellow eyed penguins are endangered, because their juvenile survival rate is incredibly low, and they aren't prolific breeders. Tama, our guide, was funny and entertaining and the whole trip was well worth the $52/pp cost!

Penguin Place

Explore the great outdoors at Penguin Place, a lovely green space in Harington Point. Wander the picturesque gardens in this trendy area.

Dunedin featuring a church or cathedral and indigenous culture

Otakou Marae

Visit this community center to learn about the activities of the Maori people of the Otago Peninsula. See Maori artwork and attend a festival.

Royal Albatross Centre

Get close to some of New Zealand’s rarest and most spectacular birds at Taiaroa Head.

Jewelled Gecko's are one of the many testaments to the wonderful work the sanctuary does - they bring endangered species to live and roam around the forest, safe from predators.

Your money

Orokonui Ecosanctuary

You can take time to visit Orokonui Ecosanctuary during your travels to Mount Cargill. Check out the charming cafes or top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Larnach Castle

Discover tales of romance and tragedy, see rare Victorian furniture and take in stunning ocean vistas at New Zealand’s only castle.

Historic Fort Taiaroa

Learn about the local history of Harington Point with a stop at Historic Fort Taiaroa. Wander the picturesque gardens in this trendy area.

Best Lodging Options Near Yellow-Eyed Penguin Conservation Reserve

Check availability on hotels close to Yellow-Eyed Penguin Conservation Reserve

Iconic Historic Seaside Cottage

Purakanui Inlet Dunedin City

Craftsman built house provides stunning retreat

Dunedin City Otago

Larnach Lodge

145 Camp Road Dunedin

Camp Estate

100 Camp Road Dunedin

Nature on your door step

Waitati Otago

Private Studio with Gym, Sauna & Spa

Macandrew Bay OTA

Scenic Hotel Dunedin City

123 Princes Street Dunedin

Scenic Hotel Southern Cross

118 High Street Dunedin

Melmarie Cosy Retreat X by Tiny Away

Waitati Otago Region

See all 284 properties in Yellow-Eyed Penguin Conservation Reserve

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.