The Otago Peninsula is located on the South Island of New Zealand along the East Coast. It stretches from Dunedin all the way to the Royal Albatross Centre.
The Otago Peninsula, located in Dunedin, New Zealand, is a beautiful peninsula along the East Coast of the South Island. It’s home to many species of aquatic wildlife, including seals, sea lions, penguins and the huge royal albatross. Take a scenic drive from Dunedin out to the end of the peninsula to see sweeping views of the ocean and the Larnach Castle, which was built in 1871 and is New Zealand’s only castle. It has a storied history and beautiful gardens as well as sweeping views of the rest of the peninsula.
Animal Sightings
Sighting #1
What: Yellow-eyed Penguin
When: August 2003 – it was wintertime so the penguins did not have any eggs yet but they did have nesting sites picked. We went on the tour around 4 p.m. when they were just coming back from the ocean.
Where: The southern end of the Otago Peninsula.
How: We went on a guided tour at a reserve that had covered trenches with observation spots and little huts for the penguins.
Of note: The penguins pair off but do not live in colonies. Their huts (nesting spots) are located out of sight of each other. This is different from other types of penguins.