About

The Royal Albatross Centre is nestled at the foot of Taiaroa Head in Ōtepoti (Dunedin), at one with its environment. Step into the foyer dominated by the Poutokomanawa, a carved pole telling the history of the Māori people of the headland. Wander through the McMillan Gallery to learn about the diverse marine wildlife that live locally to this area, as well as the many groups of people who have come and gone, creating a long and  significant history.

The Albatross nest inside a designated Nature Reserve here at Taiaroa Head, and due to their vulnerability, are only visible from a glassed observatory via a guided tour. Begin your tour with an introduction of the Northern Royal Albatross by your guide, followed by a film narrated by Natural History New Zealand. From there, it’s a short walk up to the observatory for the privilege of seeing the greatest of all seabirds. Afterwards, enjoy a snack or meal at the Toroa Café and look out for a memento in the Toroa Giftshop – you’ll want to remember the day you met the Royals of Taiaroa!

In 1967 the Otago Peninsula Trust, New Zealand’s first charitable conservation trust, was established for the purpose of protecting and enhancing the peninsula’s extensive flora and fauna. The first albatross observatory was built in 1972 on the headland and a converted Otago Harbour Board cottage was used as the visitor centre.

In 1983, the Richdale Observatory was opened for albatross viewing. By 1986, a new access tunnel was built across the top of the headland from outside the colony, to allow access into the underground tunnels and gun pit. Displays were set up in the underground magazine areas and the new facility opened to guided groups in 1987. In 1989, HRH Princess Anne officially opened the Royal Albatross Centre.

Today, Pukekura / Taiaroa Head is a successful Wildlife Reserve, managed by the Department of Conservation and Te Poari a Pukekura Management Group. In addition to approximately 250 albatross, it is also home to over 20 other wildlife species, including some 10,000 red-billed gulls, a colony of the rare Otago Shag, Royal Spoonbills and hundreds of New Zealand Fur Seals.

• The stimulation of public interest in and care of the beauty, history and character of the Otago Peninsula.
• The preservation of the natural attractions of the area and the protection of the flora and fauna of the area.
• The development of tourist attractions, public and recreational services so that the public may obtain maximum use and enjoyment of the area in a way that will not detract from or destroy its beauty or character.
• The promotion of knowledge of and interest in the objects of the Trust by meetings, exhibitions, educational courses and all other forms of instruction and publicity.

To enable its objectives, the Otago Peninsula Trust operates the following properties and businesses:

• Royal Albatross Centre – Home to the world’s only mainland Royal Albatross breeding colony
• Fort Taiaroa – World’s only fully restored award-winning Armstrong Disappearing Gun, in a secret fort built in the 1880s
• Glenfalloch Woodland Garden & Restaurant – One of Dunedin’s top restaurants, amidst a lush historic garden
• Fletcher House – Aotearoa’s only fully restored Edwardian villa, open to the public.
• Education Programmes – Inspiring the next generation of guardians and kaitiaki
• The Lime Kiln – An iconic Otago Peninsula historic site

Help us and support our work:

• Get involved – Become a member here
• Book a meeting or function at the Royal Albatross Centre or Glenfalloch
• Donate via Givealittle Fundraising