PRIVATE UNIQUE TOUR

Fully Private Unique Taiaroa Tour

Suitable for groups of up to FOUR people.

Wish to learn more about the magnificent Northern Royals in your own bubble? Book our 90 minute fully Private Unique Taiaroa Tour with a dedicated expert albatross guide.

Private tour includes an introduction and short film, followed by a short walk to reach our exclusive glassed viewing observatory to see nesting Northern Royal Albatross, finishing with the history and culture of Pukekura / Taiaroa Head as you explore the underground historical Fort Taiaroa. Have the chance of seeing these majestic birds in flight and hear the fascinating life of a royal albatross at the world’s only mainland breeding colony in the world and help support a private charitable conservation trust.

The Royal Albatross breeding cycle lasts almost one year, so we see 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.

Note: Private Tours usually depart at 10am before our building opens to the public at 10:15am daily. Our staff will arrive to let you in by about 9:45am prior to your tour commencing.

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.