CREATING EXPERIENCES UNLIKE ANY OTHER
We invite you to join us for an experience unlike any other in New Zealand on one of our guided tours. 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.
Check out our Wild Dunedin Tour Specials!
Learn about the world’s rarest penguin, the hoiho (yellow-eyed penguin) and experience the best possibility of viewing these endangered birds in their native habitat.
This 90-minute tour begins with an overview of our conservation, rehabilitation, restoration, and education work. Guests are then guided through our reserve which is home to native NZ plant and wildlife including hoiho and kororā (little penguins), fur seals, sea lions, sea and forest birds.
Viewing within the reserve often includes walking through our unique trench and hide system, and when penguins are in our care, guests may also visit our Penguin Rehabilitation Center, where they can see hoiho and other penguins up close.
Please note, while numerous native animals live with our reserve, these are wild animals, and viewing can never be guaranteed.
Expanding on the incredible opportunities of the Wildlife & Penguin Tour, this tour provides the unique opportunity to experience the reserve at sunset.
The Twilight Tour follows a similar format as our Wildlife & Penguin Tour, beginning with an overview of our conservation, rehabilitation, restoration, and education work, followed by a guided tour of the reserve.
The majestic light cast over the landscape as the sun sets on the reserve is breathtaking.
At points throughout the year, this time of day provides the greatest opportunity to view hoiho in the wild as they return from a day foraging at sea.
Please note, while numerous native animals live with our reserve, these are wild animals, and viewing can never be guaranteed.
Our Canopy to Coast Tour is a 2.5 hour tour that includes all the exceptional experiences of the Wildlife & Penguin Tour, while also allowing guests to learn about the history of forests of the Otago Peninsula and our habitat restoration work.
As guests journey through a mature and restored forest area they can take in the sounds of the trailside stream and the forest teeming with birdlife. Rangers will share knowledge of New Zealand flora and fauna as guests are immersed in the sights, sounds, and smells of nature.
This tour also provides expanded time for wildlife viewing in the reserve.
Please note, while numerous native animals live with our reserve, these are wild animals, and viewing can never be guaranteed.
Visiting Dunedin aboard a cruise ship? Hop aboard the Port to Port’s ferry from Back Beach, Port Chalmers and get across the Otago harbour with ease. From Portobello Village, you’ll meet our driver for a short, scenic, harbourside drive to our eco reserve, where you’ll embark on your Wildlife Tour.
Our private tours can accommodate groups of up to 8 pax.
This tour offers all the incredible opportunities of the Wildlife & Penguin Tour, but with a private guide and vehicle just for your group.
Private tours start at 1.5 hours, but the length can be tailored to the desires of guests, allowing for additional experiences.
These special tours also provide an opportunity for guests to have the undivided attention of their guide, allowing for more in-depth learning, sharing, and attending to guest questions.
Please note, while numerous native animals live with our reserve, these are wild animals, and viewing can never be guaranteed.
BESPOKE TOUR
Our bespoke tours are available for 10+ guests and are tailored to meet the preferences and needs of the participating guests.
A designated member of our operations team will work with guests to design a tour that aligns with their specific objectives and interests.
There are numerous possible experiences within these custom crafted tours such as wildlife photography, botanical experience, sunset tea and stargazing.
The length of bespoke tours are tailored to guests’ desires. Contact our team to learn more.
Please note, while numerous native animals live with our reserve, these are wild animals, and viewing can never be guaranteed.
Get a great deal by booking both a Monarch Wildlife Cruise and a Wildlife & Penguin Tour at The OPERA.
We have partnered with our sister company, Monarch Wildlife Cruises, to offer the Yellow-Eyed Penguin Combo.
This package that includes our 90-minute Wildlife & Penguin Tour and a 1-hour wildlife cruise.
Why do one tour on the Otago Peninsula when you can do three at a 20% discount off each?
The OPERA has partnered with our sister company, Monarch Wildlife Cruises, and The Royal Albatross Centre to bring together the Triple Crown Combo.
This package includes our 90-minute Penguin Tour, a 1-hour wildlife cruise through the bay and out around the headland, and a 1-hour guided tour of the only mainland albatross colony in the world.
Donate today
Help save one of NZ’s native and endangered Yellow-Eyed Penguins.
