UNIQUE TAIAROA

Albatross Classic + Fort Taiaroa

The ultimate Pukekura experience – combining our Albatross Classic with Fort Taiaroa to include the story of the Northern Royal Albatross and the human history of Pukekura / Taiaroa Head.

This 90 minute fully-guided tour includes a presentation by your guide on the albatross breeding cycle 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 to view the nesting albatross, and then continuing through the underground fort tunnels to see the fully restored 1886 Armstrong Disappearing Gun.

Learn about the history of this headland – from a small Māori camp to fortified pā where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840; from the site of 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; to the Nature Reserve and iconic wildlife attraction status Taiaroa Head holds today.

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.

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.

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.