ALBATROSS CLASSIC

The story of the Northern Royal Albatross

A 60 minute fully guided tour; start with a presentation about the Northern Royals by your guide and a short film by Natural History NZ, followed by a short walk up the hill for 30 minutes of viewing from our exclusive glassed observatory. View the nesting albatross and other wildlife that may be in the area, and hear what makes this protected albatross colony so unique.

The Royal Albatross breeding cycle lasts almost one year, so we see usually some form of albatross each month. Check out our Northern Royal Albatross page to read about the breeding cycle and viewing expectations based on the month of your visit.

Important: October marks the end of one season for Northern Royals as chicks depart from the headland, and the beginning of another season as new adults arrive to breed. On tour during this month we hope to see some of these adults on the ground, in the air, or both, but there is a chance we may not see any albatross until new nests are established in November. A windy afternoon may increase the chances of seeing birds in flight. This is the only time throughout the year where we cannot guarantee sightings of albatross on tour.

Please contact us for more information prior to your visit to check what viewing conditions have been recently.

Things to Know

• Please check in 15 minutes prior to the tour departure time to confirm your arrival.
• The Royal Albatross Centre is located at the tip of the Otago Peninsula, a 50 minute scenic drive from the Dunedin city.
• Make sure you allow time to enjoy a delicious meal in the Toroa Cafe open all day.
• Photography is allowed on our tours, but no flash. Viewing the albatross is behind a one way glass system to reduce our disturbance on the albatross and wildlife.
• The weather at Taiaroa Head can prevail, please bring warm and waterproof clothes.