Experience Taiaroa Head
Located at the narrow far northeast end of the Otago Peninsula in Dunedin, Taiaroa Head is famous for its Royal Albatross colony, the only mainland site in the world where these majestic birds nest. A short walk from the car park also takes you to a spectacular cliff-edge view of the Pacific Ocean and coast. There is also a penguin viewing area on the west side of the point with views of Otago Harbour.
Royal Albatross Centre
To fully experience the Royal Albatross colony, you must join a paid guided tour at the Royal Albatross Centre. These tours provide access to exclusive viewpoints where you can observe the albatrosses up close. You can also join a penguin tour, best at dusk when the penguins are returning home from fishing.
Additionally, the centre houses a restored disappearing gun emplacement from the late 1800s, a relic from the era when Dunedin was fortified against a perceived Russian threat. For those interested in military history, a similar gun can be seen atop Mount Victoria at Devonport in Auckland for free.
Free Access and Scenic Views
While the Royal Albatross Centre requires an entry fee, the surrounding reserve is free to the public. The high cliffs to the east of the centre offer impressive views over Otago Harbour towards Aramoana and out to the Pacific Ocean. On windy days, you might witness dramatic ocean plumes as the wind sweeps across the water.
How to Get There
To reach Taiaroa Head, take the scenic Harrington Point Road from Portobello, which follows the coastline to the headland's end. This route provides a picturesque drive along the north end of the Otago Peninsula. From Portobello, it is a 12 km, 15-minute drive. From Dunedin, it is 40 minutes and is 30 km.
Other natural attractions on the peninsula include Okia Reserve and the Pyramids, Victory Beach, Allans Beach, Sandymount and Sandfly Bay.
