When are you open? Do I need to book?
We’re Open Daily from 10:15am until dusk, first scheduled tour 11:00am – bookings recommended.
Closed Christmas Day 25 December
Do I need to book a tour? It’s strongly advised for a few reasons. Firstly, this is the only place in the world where albatross nest on a mainland, so you don’t want to miss out! The only way to get to the observatory to have the chance to see albatross is on a guided tour. Tours are limited to 18 people per tour, so space are limited.
Can you guarantee viewing and flying?
The Albatrosses are not in captivity. They are wild creatures. So we cannot guarantee their behaviour or sightings on any given day, most usually we have nests in sight of our observatory for most months of the year. Some times of year and some seasonal and weather variations create more suitable conditions for albatrosses to fly. Please contact us for more information prior to your visit to check what viewing is like.
Is there much walking?
A reasonable level of fitness is required to walk from the Centre to the observatory and the fortifications – its a 5-7 minute walk up a hill to the observatory. If you are taking the Unique Tour there are a two small steep staircases. We have mobility scooters, please give us advance notice if you’d like to use one, so we can have a staff member available.
Blue Penguins Pukekura: On the blue penguin tour there are steps and a 150 metre walk down to the viewing platform and back.
Do we get to go on the albatross reserve?
Our guided tour is within an observatory over the albatross nesting area, only DOC Rangers are allowed on the albatross nature reserve. A one way glass and sound deadening system is in place to minimise our disturbance to the nesting albatrosses. Photography is behind glass windows.
NO PUBLIC access
Taiaroa Head/ Pukekura is a nature reserve to protect the albatross and other species.
To the wildlife reserve/albatross colony, access is granted by booking on a guided tour. Bookings are essential to guarantee a place on a tour. No self-guided tour options.
What might I see at what time of the year?
Albatross have a two year breeding cycle. Contact our team to find out what viewing is like or check out what you might see while visiting Albatross and Penguin Lifecycles
Have you got Disability Access?
Our centre is accessible with accessible toilets, cafe and displays we have 2 self-drive mobility carts available (limited availability), we ask visitors to contact us to book a cart and to advise the centre of any special requirements.
What should I wear?
Weather can be very changeable as its a marine environment , the albatross and penguins choose to nest here because of its special weather. All tour options involve outdoor activity in an area where maritime weather prevails, the weather can change very quickly on the Otago Peninsula year round. Always take warm clothing and solid footwear is required. We’d advise dressing in layers, bringing warm clothes as it can get cold, especially in the evening. We have raincoats for the albatross tours, but you’ll need your own warm jackets for the penguin tour, it can get cold. Sensible shoes are strongly advised.
How many can come on a family pass?
Two adults and up to 3 school aged children (5-17 years of age) 18 + is an adult. Infants 4 and under are free on tour.
Is there a charge just to visit the centre?
We welcome you free of charge. This includes access to our interactive gallery, Toroa cafe and gift shop. All donations to keep the centre open and help support the conservation work are very welcome – we ask that you make a small donation if you wish to use our restroom facilities – we have to buy all our water and truck it 30km (and truck the sewage back out).
Are children allowed on guided tours?
We are entering a nature reserve, to keep our birds healthy and protected, we do ask parents to ensure children are quiet on tour so visitors and albatross are not disturbed.
How far are is the Royal Albatross Centre from Dunedin city?
We’re a 32km scenic drive from Dunedin city centre. Allow about 50-60 minutes and check for roadworks as Dunedin is building a cycleway along the peninsula road that may cause delays. Plan to be 15 minutes before your booked tour.
Is there public transport to the centre?
The closest public transport to the Centre terminates at Harington Point, 3.5kms from the Royal Albatross Centre.
Tour Capacity
Our Unique, Albatross and Fort tours take up 18 people (including infants), Blue Penguin tour takes a maximum 90 visitors.
Can I get to the Lighthouse?
There is no public or guided tours that access Taiaroa Head’s lighthouse. The best view of the lighthouse is from the public cliff face viewing platform on the eastern side of Taiaroa Head.
Vouchers and Entertainment Vouchers
These are not valid for discounts/ deals offered – including Mates Rate, Express Albatross Tour options.
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