
“Otago Peninsula and Taiaroa Head is a unique and very special place. It is a place that every visitor to Dunedin should see..”
David Attenborough
BBC
Don’t miss your chance to visit the world’s only mainland breeding colony of Royal Albatross / Toroa in Aotearoa’s wildlife capital – Dunedin! Learn all about the breeding cycle of these majestic birds, as you watch them soar with their three metre wingspans from our Richdale Observatory.
Tours take place throughout the day, and bookings are recommended. We offer a 60 minutes guided wildlife tour, the Albatross Classic. This tells the story of the Northern Royal Albatross, followed by a short movie by Natural History New Zealand, then a visit to our viewing observatory to watch the nesting albatross. Nowhere else in the world can you enjoy the privilege of viewing these majestic seabirds in their natural environment!
Our 90 minute tour Unique Taiaroa tour includes the Albatross tour, and then adds on a visit through the old tunnels underneath the headland, and views the impressive Disappearing Armstrong Gun – placed in 1886! A phenomenal way to experience all the headland here has to offer.
Not sure what you will see during your visit, click here to view the Albatross Lifecycle or contact us for viewing expectations today! More Information – FAQ’s
The Royal Albatross Centre is operated by a not-for-profit charitable trust. A proportion of every ticket sold at the Royal Albatross Centre goes directly towards the fostering and protection of the Northern Royal Albatross.
Please note: Viewing the albatross nesting area is by guided tour only. There is no public access or self-guided options.
Albatross viewing: The albatross are wild and therefore freely come and go at their own pleasure. From mid-Sept to mid-Nov, 80% of tours will see albatross, but this is not guaranteed through this time.
A 60min guided tour; short film, presentation on albatross breeding cycle, short walk up the hill for viewing from our exclusive glassed observatory to view the albatross and any other wildlife.
Prices valid until 30 Sept 2022
(Albatross + Fort Taiaroa)
Experience our 90min Unique Tour Combo – includes Albatross Classic & Fort Taiaroa Tours.
Adult NZ$62
Child NZ$20 (5-17yrs of age)
Family NZ$134 includes 2 adults + up to 3 children
Prices valid until 30 Sept 2022
BOOK NOWUnique Royal or Royal Tour
Join one of our exclusive early bird special, a fully private guided tour in your own bubble of up to 4 people. Learn all about the fascinating life of a Northern Royal Albatross, the history and culture of Taiaroa Head and help support the conservation work by our expert albatross guide.
Tour is set at 10am each day – bookings essential!
$200 for up to 4 visitors
$180 for up to 4 visitors
Private Unique Royal Tour Private Royal TourThe Royal Albatross Centre is owned and operated by NZ’s first private charitable conservation trust, the Otago Peninsula Trust. Your help and funds raised go to projects which protect and enhance the environment and wildlife of Ōtepoti’s Otago Peninsula.
Noise Level: to reduce disturbance on the albatross (including when nesting), we do ask and remind all visitors to keep noise level to a minimum. Our guides do reserve the right to send visitors back down from the tour if visitors don’t adhere to this rule, as we are under a permit and do not want to disturb any albatross.
We highly recommend bringing your own warm and wet weather clothing as the weather can change and solid footwear is recommended. Waterproof jackets can be provided.
We do not allow flash photography on our tours as this can disturb the albatross and other nearby wildlife, frightening or even blinding them.
A reasonable level of fitness is required to walk from the Centre to the observatory and the fortifications – its a five minute walk up a hill to the inside observatory. If you are taking the Unique Tour there are a two small 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.
Tours, Cafe, Gift Shop and Centre: OPEN:
10:15am – 4:00pm (Winter)
10:15am – 5:00pm (Summer)
Booking on tour is recommended as spaces and tour times are limited!
Closed Christmas Day
“Otago Peninsula and Taiaroa Head is a unique and very special place. It is a place that every visitor to Dunedin should see..”
David Attenborough
BBC