Yellow-Eyed Penguin Conservation Reserve 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

4.5/5(21 reviews)

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

Penguin Place
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.

Otakou Marae
Royal Albatross Centre which includes rocky coastline, mist or fog and a gorge or canyon

Royal Albatross Centre

4.5/5(48 reviews)

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

Royal Albatross Centre
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 top-notch restaurants or charming cafes in this walkable area.

Orokonui Ecosanctuary
Larnach Castle

Larnach Castle

4.5/5(37 reviews)

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

Larnach Castle
Perspectives from above

Doctors Point

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Doctors Point during your travels in Dunedin.

Doctors Point

Best Lodging Options Near Yellow-Eyed Penguin Conservation Reserve

Iconic Historic Seaside Cottage

Iconic Historic Seaside Cottage

Purakanui Inlet
Iconic Historic Seaside Cottage
Larnach Lodge

Larnach Lodge

4 out of 5
145 Camp Road, Dunedin
Larnach Lodge
Craftsman built house provides stunning retreat

Craftsman built house provides stunning retreat

Dunedin City
Craftsman built house provides stunning retreat
Camp Estate

Camp Estate

5 out of 5
100 Camp Road, Dunedin
Camp Estate
Scenic Hotel Dunedin City

Scenic Hotel Dunedin City

4.5 out of 5
123 Princes Street, Dunedin
Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
Scenic Hotel Southern Cross

Scenic Hotel Southern Cross

4.5 out of 5
118 High Street, Dunedin
Scenic Hotel Southern Cross
Stunning coastal views in a movie like setting

Stunning coastal views in a movie like setting

Karitane
Stunning coastal views in a movie like setting
Distinction Dunedin Hotel

Distinction Dunedin Hotel

4.5 out of 5
6 Liverpool Street, Dunedin
Distinction Dunedin Hotel
Dunedin Leisure Lodge - A Distinction Hotel

Dunedin Leisure Lodge - A Distinction Hotel

4 out of 5
30 Duke Street, North Dunedin, Dunedin
Dunedin Leisure Lodge - A Distinction Hotel
See all 267 properties in Yellow-Eyed Penguin Conservation Reserve
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