Meet the Royal Albatross and its Neighbours
Dunedin is known as the wildlife capital of New Zealand, with the coastal environment of the spectacular Otago Peninsula as its flagship. According to Sir David Attenborough, it is a place every visitor to Dunedin should see. Within a leisurely 20-minute from your accommodation at Harbour Cone Sanctuary, you reach the Royal Albatross Centre, where you can witness the majestic Northern Royal Albatross colony or head to Blue Penguins Pukekura to glimpse the world’s smallest penguin species. Close by is the stunning OPERA (formerly the Penguin Place), where you can watch for hoiho (yellow-eyed penguin), the rarest penguin in the world. On nearby beaches, you can meet the mighty endemic Hooker sea lions and resident fur seals.
Wider Environs and Coastal Wildlife
The Otago Peninsula’s outer coastline towards the open Pacific Ocean stands in sharp contrast to the soothing environment of its sheltered harbourside. Here, it is truly “life on the wild side”, where rugged cliffs and windswept beaches are home to a wide variety of marine mammals and provide nesting spots for bustling seabird colonies. Allans Beach, Victory Beach, and Sandfly Bay are just some noteworthy beaches stretching along the oceanfront, offering uncrowded beachcombing, wildlife observation, and surfing for the brave.
The Majestic Royal Albatross
Only a short drive from the Sanctuary, Pukekura (Taiaroa Head), at the tip of the Otago Peninsula, is famous for hosting the Northern Royal Albatross, the only mainland breeding colony of this species in the world. They are a highlight for birdwatchers visiting the area. These majestic seabirds are known for their impressive over three-meter wingspan, allowing them to glide effortlessly over the ocean for extended periods. Remarkably, they undertake a two-year westward circumnavigation of Antarctica, returning to their birthplace at Taiaroa Head to pair with a lifelong partner and jointly rear their offsprings.
Life on the Cliffs
Close to the Albatross colony, breeding colonies of Kāruhiruhi (Stewart Island Shag), Pārekareka (Spotted Shag), Tarāpunga (Red-Billed Gull), and Tara (White-Fronted Tern) can be observed from the cliffs close-by. Watch as they fly to their nests perched precariously on narrow ledges.
Seals and Sea Lions
Rocky outcrops along the Pacific Ocean facing side of the Otago Peninsula are the home to Kekeno (New Zealand Fur Seal), which reside in good numbers in several colonies.
The endemic New Zealand Hooker’s Sea Lion, one of the world’s rarest sea lion species, was extinct on the South Island. It recolonised its southeastern coastline only recently from the sub-antarctic island further south. Today, these mighty sea mammals can be closely watched resting on the ocean beaches of the Otago Peninsula. When you spot them, you will know why the Māori gave the massive males a different name (Pakake) from the slender females (Kake)!
Two Species of Penguins
The Otago Peninsula is also renowned for being home to several colonies of penguins. Pilot’s Beach on the sheltered harbour side near the Albatross Colony offers excellent opportunities to observe the Koroā (Little Blue Penguin or Fairy Penguin), the world’s smallest penguin species, as they come ashore in the final hour of daylight before retreating to their hiding spots in the dunes.
The Hoiho, (Yellow-eyed Penguin), the rarest penguin in the world, has its nesting places at the rugged ocean-facing beaches of the Otago Peninsula. This critically endangered species is looked after by the long-established Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust and various other remarkable private initiatives.
Life in the Shallow Waters
Hoopers Inlet and Papanui Inlet, two tidal inlets of the Pacific Ocean, provide excellent chances to observe waterbirds feeding in their shallow waters. Amongst them are Kōtuku-ngutupapa (Royal Spoonbill), with their distinctively shaped bills sweeping from side to side and scooping up crustaceans and small fish. Kakīānau (Black Swan) is a recent immigrant species from Australia that has become prominent in the inlets. Its black plumage proves wrong the Northern Hemisphere saying that “all swans are white”!
Watching Dolphins and Whales
Pods of dolphins regularly enter the Otago Harbour and can be seen playing in the waters alongside Portobello Road. In recent years, sperm whales and orcas have begun to pass through the offshore waters and into the harbour once again, marking their return after more than 100 years of absence. However, they are still quite a rare and special sight.