Wildlife Tours Dunedin, New Zealand

Back to Nature Tours Introduction

Back to Nature Tours offer wildlife tours in Dunedin and the most comprehensive nature tour of the Otago Peninsula.

Our scenic nature tours in Dunedin include the royal albatross, fur seals, sea-lions, waders, waterfowl and the rare yellow-eyed penguin. We also visit Larnach Castle and introduce you to New Zealand's temperate rainforest.

Our Wildlife Tours in Dunedin

The rare wildlife and scenic appeal are only part of this memorable nature tour in Dunedin. We will take you on an intimate tour (maximum of 9 people) designed to provide flexibility as we never know what surprises nature will offer us, making every tour a bit different from the last.

We have provided a couple of options that can be included during the tour to enhance your experience. The tour duration is 6 hours.

Trip Description:

• Visit Larnach Castle and learn about New Zealand's wonderful flora and fauna. You'll have plenty of time to explore the other gardens or go into the castle itself. (Please note entry into the castle is an additional NZ$15.00)
• A scenic drive to the spots big buses can't get to, with various opportunities to stretch your legs
• View the Royal Albatross at the only mainland breeding colony in the world
• View various waders and waterfowl around the magical inlets – a birdwatcher paradise
• Visit the Otakou Marae
• View the rare and endangered Yellow-Eyed Penguin from our private hide
• Get up close to the NZ Fur Seal that has made a dramatic recovery from near extinction.
• Get close to the New Zealand Sea-Lion – the rarest in the world
• Learn the extraordinary history of the area

You can enhance your tour by adding either by adding in a visit to the Royal Albatross Centre or by joining the Monarch Cruise Boat.

We provide light refreshments, binoculars and a pick up/drop-off service to all centrally located accommodation.

You will require warm clothing, as Dunedin weather is somewhat unpredictable. We recommend good footwear and good humour.

Cruise Ship Wildlife Tours in Dunedin

Port Chalmers is attracting more cruise ship visits every year. It has become a favourite for visitors cruising the South Pacific and we pride ourselves in the organising of small group tours (max 11 people) that are exciting, relaxed and informative.

The Back to Nature Cruise Ship tour allows individuals, couples or groups to join other cruisers on a magical day out.

In the morning we take you to see some of the key attractions of the 'Scottish' city of the South Island. It's a great opportunity to enjoy the unique views and historic architecture unlike anywhere else in NZ. Dunedin was once the largest city in NZ during the gold rush and is home to some of its oldest buildings.

In the afternoon we go to the places the big buses can't and make sure the tour is flexible enough to take in any chance wildlife encounters. At the end of your tour we will drop you off at Port Chalmers (generally 1 hour prior to sailing).

Custom Tours in Dunedin

We specialise in planning, organising and conducting nature-based trips of the South Island of New Zealand. Our wealth of experience, knowledge and contacts throughout the industry are our tools. Tours are individually crafted to include your interests with plenty of flexibility to try something new.

We offer you an opportunity to see the real New Zealand by avoiding the trail taken by many. It is the small things that count and we attend to every detail.

Our custom crafted itineraries will reflect ideas that we generate by speaking to you. We aim to build a relationship with you before you get here, when you arrive and afterwards – that is the most important thing to us!

For further information about our nature tours of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula, please contact us or visit our wildlife tours in Dunedin Web site.

Manor House Backpackers in Dunedin

Manor House Backpackers is our backpackers accommodation in Dunedin, created when two adjacent 1920s early colonial New Zealand homes were converted for use as budget accommodation.

The fine buildings and unique architectural features have been beautifully preserved by the owners and enhanced to ensure that guests have a very comfortable and laid-back stay. Features exclusive to Manor House are:

• Minutes walk from the city centre
• Sunny location nestled amongst bushes and trees
• Off-Street parking
• Large spacious rooms with big windows
• Stained glass and unique curved bay windows
• Ornate plaster ceilings
• Adjacent to Market Reserve parkland
• Closest hostel to Otago Peninsula wildlife and Carisbrook Sports Stadium
• Quiet location – awake to the sounds of birds not traffic
• Beautiful and relaxing garden, BBQ area and deck
• A happy cosy environment created by friendly hosts and guests like you

About Dunedin

Dunedin city is renowned for its proximity to incredible wildlife. Visits to see the world's rarest penguins, the world's only mainland breeding colony of the Royal albatross and rare New Zealand sea lions are all possible within a short drive of the city centre.

Otago Peninsula Beach
Photographer: Rob Suisted
(www.naturespic.com)

Dunedin is also memorable for its historical architecture. It is regarded to be one of the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere. Look for the massive stone Flemish Renaissance-style Dunedin Railway Station, the University clock-tower building and the Gothic Revival Dominican Priory.

Dunedin even has an authentic castle—Larnach Castle was the grand home of an early politician. You might also want to visit Baldwin Street, the world's steepest residential address.

Dunedin offers all the facilities you would expect within a modern, thriving city, without the traffic jams and parking problems! Daily life is vibrant, positive and upbeat. Cafes, restaurants and bars compete for space with a fabulous mix of shops and entertainment venues.

For further information about our nature tours of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula, please contact us or visit our wildlife tours in Dunedin Web site.