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The Royal Albatross Centre is nestled at the foot of Taiaroa Head in Otepoti (Dunedin), at one with its environment.
Step into the foyer dominated by Poutokomanawa, a carved pole telling the history of the Maori people of the headland. Wander through the McMillan Gallery and learn more about the history and wildlife of the area. Enjoy a snack or meal at the Royal Albatross Café and look out for a memento in our souvenir shop – you’ll want to remember the day you met the Royals of Taiaroa!
1260 Harington Point Road, best route is to follow Portobello Road (which turns into Harington Point Road) all the way from Dunedin along the Otago Peninsula – we are at the end of the road so you can’t miss us.
CHILD POLICY Child is considered between 5 and 17 years of age
INFANT POLICY Infant is considered a child under 5 years of age
CANCELLATION More than 24 hours 100% refund | Less than 24 hours 0% refund
SEASON Open all year except Christmas Day (25 December)
The Royal Albatross Centre is nestled at the foot of Taiaroa Head in Otepoti (Dunedin), at one with its environment.
Step into the foyer dominated by Poutokomanawa, a carved pole telling the history of the Maori people of the headland. Wander through the McMillan Gallery and learn more about the history and wildlife of the area. Enjoy a snack or meal at the Royal Albatross Café and look out for a memento in our souvenir shop – you’ll want to remember the day you met the Royals of Taiaroa!
The Royal Albatross Centre is owned and operated by the Otago Peninsula Trust, New Zealand’s oldest not-for-profit charitable conservation trust. In 1983, our Richdale Albatross Observatory was opened for viewing of the nesting albatross. By 1986, a new access tunnel was built across the top of the headland from outside the colony to allow access into the underground tunnels and gun pit.
Today, Taiaroa Head is a successful Wildlife Reserve, managed by the Department of Conservation and Te Poari a Pukekura Management Group. In addition to approximately 250 albatross, it is also home to over 20 other wildlife species, including some 4,000 red-billed gulls and colonies of Spotted Shag, the rare Otago Shag, Royal Spoonbills, and hundreds of New Zealand Fur Seals.
Come and join us – see these impressive seabirds with a 3-metre wingspan for yourself and support the Otago Peninsula Trust while you are doing it – what could be better?
An informative presentation and video with your expert guide, providing an interesting insight into the albatross and history of the headland before departing the centre and heading into the exclusive nature reserve. Spend some time watching the nesting albatross and keeping an eye out for an impressive albatross fly by with their great 3 metre wingspan, before heading through the underground tunnels which is home to the worlds only fully restored disappearing gun.
Duration 1.5hr
An informative presentation and video with your expert guide, providing an interesting insight into the albatross and history of the headland before departing the centre and heading into the exclusive nature reserve. Spend some time watching the nesting albatross and keeping an eye out for an impressive albatross fly by with their great 3 metre wingspan.
Duration 1hr
We have 2 self-drive mobility carts available for those with limited mobility/movement, we ask visitors to contact us to book a cart in advance and to advise the centre of any special requirements. Please note the carts are suitable for the 1hr Classic tour only as they can not navigate the stairs involved in the military fortifications included in other tours.
Weather can be very changeable as it is a marine environment, the albatross choose to nest here because of its special weather. All tour options involve outdoor activity in an area where maritime weather prevails, the weather can change very quickly on the Otago Peninsula year-round. Always bring warm clothing and solid footwear. We do have raincoats available for visitors on tour, please speak to your guide if one of these is required on the day.
Family Friendly
