UNIQUE TAIAROA

Albatross viewing + Fort Taiaroa

The ultimate – a 90 minute guided tour telling the story of the Northern Royal Albatross and the human history of Pukekura/Taiaroa Head by adding the Fort Taiaroa tour.

This 90-minute fully-guided tour includes a short film, presentation on the albatross breeding cycle and a short walk up the hill for viewing from our exclusive glassed observatory to view the albatross and then continuing through the underground fort tunnels to see the fully restored Armstrong Disappearing Gun.

Learn about our exciting history. From a small Maori camp in the 1300s to a fortified Pa where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840; from a wooden flagstaff to an 1864 lighthouse at the entrance to Otago Harbour; from an 1880s underground fort to a large defence base in WWII. Taiaroa Head is today a Nature Reserve and iconic wildlife attraction.

Please note: October is difficult to guarantee albatross sightings as chicks depart the headland in September and new season nests are built in late October.

During tours in October, we hope to see some new season adults either on the ground, in the air or both, but there is a small chance we may not see any.

 

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.