Otago Southland Tourist Times, February 2020 — Page 9
OTAGO PENINSULA To Oamaru
Warrington
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Purakaunui Long Beach
Waitati
Taiaroa Head Royal Albatross Centre
Aramoana
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Port Chalmers
ur bo Otakou Har Careys Bay Harwood
Mt Cargill 88 Broad Bay
Macandrew Bay
Ota
Portobello
Mt Charles
Larnach Castle
Predominantly of volcanic origin, the Otago Peninsula is steep and on the Pacific side very rugged. The harbour side, warm, sunny and sheltered, has a micro climate that is better than anywhere else on the Otago coast. The 20 km long shallow-bottomed fiord, Otago Harbour, is the home of an abundance of wildlife. World famous are the Royal Albatross and the endangered Yellow Eyed Penguin (Hoiho), but also the Little Blue Penguin and the Stewart Island Shag can be seen in their natural environment. A number of walkways give you access to the many breathtaking views and sheer cliff faces like ‘The Chasm’ and ‘Lovers Leap’.
At the entrance to the Otago Harbour the peninsula rises to Taiaroa Head, home to a breeding colony of northern royal albatross the only colony of albatross to be found on an inhabited mainland. The viewing centre for the albatross colony is one of the peninsula’s main ecotourism attractions, along with other wildlife such as seals and yellow-eyed penguins. Most of the Otago Peninsula is freehold farming land, with increasing numbers of small holdings or lifestyle blocks. Some biodiversity sites such as Taiaroa Head are managed as sanctuaries for wildlife. Many species of seabirds and waders in particular may be found around the tidal inlets, including spoonbills, plovers, and herons.
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Lovers Leap
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DUNEDIN
ula Otago Penins
TAIAROA HEADS (Pukekura)
Established over 100 years ago to counter the treat Tsarist Russia, the Observation Post at Fort Taiaroa Heads Reserve overlooks part of the albatross colony on the Otago Peninsula as well as having spectacular views of the peninsula. Fort Taiaro is now a museum and visitors can view the Armstrong Disappearing Gun which has worldwide recognition as the only one in the world still working and in its original gun pit. You can also wander through the underground tunnels and view detailed models showing how the gun worked.t
Open 7 days for Lunch, Dinner, Dessert Offering quality imaginative, contemporary fare with traditional New Zealand flavours. Using only fresh local produce, our head chef for the last 18 months has developed an appetizing menu with something for everyone.
7 Harington Point Road Portobello, Otago Peninsula Ph 03 478 0801 1908cafe.co.nz
Monarch Wildlife Cruises Most locals will tell you that there’s one thing you shouldn’t miss whilst in Dunedin - a Monarch Wildlife Cruise! Operating since 1985, the Monarch team are known for getting you closer to unique Southern Ocean wildlife.
Hop aboard their short one hour cruise, departing daily from Wellers Rock Wharf. You’ll travel out through the head of the Otago Harbour, past volcanic cliffs and a historic lighthouse. Watch as huge Northern Royal Albatross glide in from the ocean and soar up to their hillside nesting colony. From here you can watch as they interact and feed the hungry chicks. The local NZ Fur Seal population will keep you entertained as the skipper guides the boat expertly close to rocky outcrops for great photo opportunities . A short way out to sea you’ll generally spot other albatross and seabird species. Occasionally you might get lucky and see a NZ Sealion, a Blue Penguin or even Hectors and Dusky Dolphins.
If you are looking for an awesome day exploring the Otago Peninsula then take a look at their other tour options. They all include the Wildlife Cruise and also visits to the Royal Albatross Centre, Penguin Place, Larnach Castle or Blue Penguins Pukekura. Monarch Wildlife Cruises really are your one-stop shop for nature tours in Dunedin.
20 Fryatt Street, Dunedin, NZ www.wildlife.co.nz ph: (03) 477 4276
