untamedNZ tour company
untamedNZ tour company
untamedNZ tour company
5
City ToursEco ToursSightseeing ToursNature & Wildlife ToursDay Trips
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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About
Discover the most beautiful place on earth with a small group tour. Explore Dunedin, the Otago Peninsula and lower South Island with a knowledgeable local guide and see what others miss! Choose from half-day, full-day and multi-day tours to your preferred destinations. We can customise tours to your needs and we also offer private-group tours - email us or go to our website to find out more!
Dunedin, New Zealand
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2023
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untamedNZ tour company
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5.0
163 reviews
Excellent
162
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Mike M
Austin, TX8 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
A day with Mateo Winter on the Otago Peninsula is a fabulous day. I remain in awe that he found and showed us six of the threatened New Zealand sea lions in their native habitats - five males along beaches and one very pregnant female near an inlet inland from the beach. We saw nesting royal albatrosses, nesting blue penguins, two yellow-eyed penguins (an endangered species), and many other sea birds - as well as fur seals. Mateo is enthusiastic, extremely informative and entertaining, and very professional and cautious about your safety and about wildlife’s safety. A special treat was that Mateo himself took photos along our tour (with his telephoto lens) and emailed them to us at the end of the day. In addition to our drive through the beautiful Otago Peninsula and our sighting of numerous wildlife species and botanical species, we learned a great deal of history from Matteo: history of the region, of the Maoris, of the Scots who dared to circle the world to find a new congenial land for a new Scotland in the mid19th century, of the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi and the much more recent reparations negotiations, and of Mateo’s personal ancestry on the Otago Peninsula - dating back 160 years.
Written 30 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Duranja
Oslo, Norway61 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
Booked the “Conservation Matters” tour with Mateo early this year (when you know what you want you book it… 😉) incl. a visit to Orokonui Ecosanctuary. The weather wanted us to change that as on 28th October it snowed and they had to cancel all bookings for that day. A little bit sad but it happens and, we got to visit the Royal Albatross Centre instead and saw a lot of flying albatrosses!! Amazing!!! I will just have to visit Orokonui on my next trip… We also visited The Opera (the Otago Peninsula Eco Restoration Alliance, formerly Penguin Place) and although there were no Hoiho (yellow eyed) penguins in rehab which is good but we did see one on from far far away on our walk where Mateo taught us a lot about the penguins, trees and plant. We also saw a couple of Kororā (little penguins) in their nesting boxes.
Anyway, what I should have started with- Mateo was a fabulous guide and very knowledgeable and I highly recommend booking a tour with him. He is from the area so not only does he know a lot about the wildlife but also the history. He is a one man business at the moment so if you see a tour you like, book it!!! Three seasons in one day with snow, rain, wind and blue sky- albatrosses, penguins and other wildlife made this day a perfect day out! Thank you Mateo from Anja (and Wilbur the penguin), Norway.
Anyway, what I should have started with- Mateo was a fabulous guide and very knowledgeable and I highly recommend booking a tour with him. He is from the area so not only does he know a lot about the wildlife but also the history. He is a one man business at the moment so if you see a tour you like, book it!!! Three seasons in one day with snow, rain, wind and blue sky- albatrosses, penguins and other wildlife made this day a perfect day out! Thank you Mateo from Anja (and Wilbur the penguin), Norway.
Written 23 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora Anja,
Thank you so much for your lovely review!
It certainly was a day of eventful weather but I sincerely appreciate your flexibility around Orokonui being closed for the day.
We did have a great day and you're right, the Albatross were something very special on tour.
Thank you for choosing to come on tour with us and hopefully we'll see you again soon!
Ngā mihi
Mateo
Written 26 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jenny M
Sydney, Australia6 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
Mateo was so knowledgeable and knew all the best spots for spotting wildlife and views. His history of the area was fascinating and his wildlife knowledge exceptional! Even though our weather was not as expected he made allowances and changed the order of the sights so that we had the optimum experience.
Written 28 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Jenny,
Thank you so much for taking the time to review untamedNZ tour company.
We had a pretty topsy turvy weather day! But your enthusiasm for snow was admirable! In the end we certainly managed to avoid the worst of it... And in any case, there's no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing 😊
Glad you had such a great time!
Ngā mihi
Mateo
Written 26 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Fearless51314591021
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Friends
Mateo was an amazing guide for our afternoon on the Otago peninsula. We learned about the history of New Zealand and the Dunedin area. Then we had an excellent wildlife viewing experience, including Royal albatrosses, yellow-eyed penguins, New Zealand fur seals, and many species of shorebirds. I highly recommend this trip!
Written 31 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora,
Thank you so much for taking the time to review untamedNZ tour company and your outing with us!
We sure did have a great day! Yellow-eyed penguins were the highlight for us! Always great to see them doing their penguin things.
Ngā mihi
Mateo
Written 26 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kendra G
7 contributions
Apr 2023
We had the pleasure of taking a 1-day tour with Mateo and it was an amazing experience! Mateo was extremely knowledgeable about the local bird species and their habitats, sharing fascinating insights into the behavior and ecology, making the tour not only enjoyable but also educational. His kindness and patience were also greatly appreciated, as he took the time to ensure that everyone in the group had the opportunity to observe and learn about the birds we encountered. We can't wait for our return!
Written 16 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora Kendra,
Thank you so much for taking the time to review untamedNZ tour company.
We had a fabulous tour with the nursing Sea Lions and Penguins and Albatross particularly great!
I'm glad you all enjoyed your day in Dunedin!
Ngā mihi
Mateo
Written 26 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Susan F
1 contribution
Mar 2023
Our family was lucky enough to find Mateo on a recent trip to the South Island and Dunedin. He was referred to us by the Blue Penguins Pukekura and we enjoyed a wonderful leisurely and educational trip in a comfortable van with him as we wound our way to a visit with the blue penguins on the Otago Peninsula. Mateo is extremely knowledgeable about the area, and showed us many interesting sites while we drove to the Royal Albatross center. He taught us about the Maori language, ecology and made stops for us to take pictures. He even shared photos that he took from our time together the next day. He was professional, friendly and took us on one of our favorite guided tours ever. I highly recommend you contact him if you will be spending time in the area.
Written 28 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora,
Thank you so much for your lovely review for us.
Although this was a different tour for us we always love sharing the beauty of the Otago Peninsula with our city's guests!
Was a pretty amazing viewing night and the night sky was very special.
Ngā mihi
Mateo
Written 26 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SimonJonesUK
London, UK17 contributions
Mar 2023 • Solo
My wife and I took a private day-long tour with Mateo. We had a great experience. At the start Mateo asked us about our interests and then advised us on our options. We then jointly designed a bespoke itinerary for the day.
We first visited the wonderful Orokonui ecosanctuary where, guided by Mateo we had great sightings of, inter alia, Kaka, Takahe, South Island Robin, Tuatara, Gecko and skinks. We also learned loads from Mateo about the fragile NZ native ecosystem which in microcosm Orokonui represents and protects .
Next we did a short driving tour of Dunedin where we stopped to see the historic Railway Station as my wife had especially wanted to do this.
We ended the day with a tour of the Otago peninsula. This included a 1 hour boat trip during which we gained wonderful views of albatrosses (especially) and other birds including penguins as well as seals and sea lions. To top it all off, a few days after the tour Mateo sent us some photos he had taken during it. I include a few of those with this review.
Great day!
We first visited the wonderful Orokonui ecosanctuary where, guided by Mateo we had great sightings of, inter alia, Kaka, Takahe, South Island Robin, Tuatara, Gecko and skinks. We also learned loads from Mateo about the fragile NZ native ecosystem which in microcosm Orokonui represents and protects .
Next we did a short driving tour of Dunedin where we stopped to see the historic Railway Station as my wife had especially wanted to do this.
We ended the day with a tour of the Otago peninsula. This included a 1 hour boat trip during which we gained wonderful views of albatrosses (especially) and other birds including penguins as well as seals and sea lions. To top it all off, a few days after the tour Mateo sent us some photos he had taken during it. I include a few of those with this review.
Great day!
Written 25 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Simon,
Sorry it's taken me a while to respond!
Our bespoke tours aim to suit the interests of our guests and I'm so glad your day in Dunedin was one to remember!
The Wildlife Cruise is often a highlight and we were lucky to see so many species on our trip!
Ngā mihi
Mateo
Written 26 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sue J
1 contribution
Mar 2023
We did the combined Orokonui reserve & city tour with Mateo. It was excellent. We were picked up on time from our accommodation & set off in a comfortable mini bus. The tour lasts approximately 5 hours in total, the time flew.
On the way to the reserve Mateo filled us in about the history of human inhabitation of NZ. This gave us an insight into the mix of cultures & place names which exist today. He also linked in the need for places such as the eco sanctuary because of the knock on effects of species brought over to the islands by the early settlers.
Once ad the sanctuary we had a great walk through the forest seeing a variety of species, Mateo has a fascinating wealth of knowledge which he was able to pass on to us. He was really adept at spotting the reptiles & birds, which we'd have totally missed it not for him. He also helped us to identify interesting & culturally important plant species too.
After a stop for coffee etc we headed to the main sites of the city Signal Hill, Baldwin Street, the University, Octagon, Station & the beautiful Victorian buildings dating back to the heady days of Dunedin in gold rush times. It gave a great insight into this beautiful city. After the tour Mateo emailed photos of the things we had seen, eichmann was a nice touch.
We thoroughly recommend using UntamedNZ for your tours in the area, we'd have dire more if time allowed. Thanks again, Sue & Chris
On the way to the reserve Mateo filled us in about the history of human inhabitation of NZ. This gave us an insight into the mix of cultures & place names which exist today. He also linked in the need for places such as the eco sanctuary because of the knock on effects of species brought over to the islands by the early settlers.
Once ad the sanctuary we had a great walk through the forest seeing a variety of species, Mateo has a fascinating wealth of knowledge which he was able to pass on to us. He was really adept at spotting the reptiles & birds, which we'd have totally missed it not for him. He also helped us to identify interesting & culturally important plant species too.
After a stop for coffee etc we headed to the main sites of the city Signal Hill, Baldwin Street, the University, Octagon, Station & the beautiful Victorian buildings dating back to the heady days of Dunedin in gold rush times. It gave a great insight into this beautiful city. After the tour Mateo emailed photos of the things we had seen, eichmann was a nice touch.
We thoroughly recommend using UntamedNZ for your tours in the area, we'd have dire more if time allowed. Thanks again, Sue & Chris
Written 21 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora Sue and Chris,
Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a great review!
I'm so glad you enjoyed yourselves on tour. We had an exceptionally good day!
Orokonui is a very special place and we were treated handsomely to the best that it has to offer! I'm glad you enjoyed the photos too... All part of the service wūru untamedNZ tour company 😊
Wishing you the best for the rest of your NZ travels!
Best,
Mateo
Written 23 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Carl K
Austin, TX89 contributions
Mar 2023
Highly recommended. Mateo is extremely helpful: will pick you up at hotel, or meet you at your ship if you cruise in, or pretty much whatever you need. The tour is well thought out and very interesting, and Mateo is a fountain of local information.
For us, the penguin and albatross portion of the tour was particularly outstanding. We were just a couple of feet away from penguins and got amazing photos. We saw albatross flying as well.
We'd recommend untamedNZ to anyone visiting Dunedin for the first time, to get an overview of the area and see the highlights as well as the bird attractions.
The trip advisor questions ask if this is good for a picnic: there's a lunch break where you can buy food and drinks, or take that time to picnic with what you've brought with you in a lovely setting.
For us, the penguin and albatross portion of the tour was particularly outstanding. We were just a couple of feet away from penguins and got amazing photos. We saw albatross flying as well.
We'd recommend untamedNZ to anyone visiting Dunedin for the first time, to get an overview of the area and see the highlights as well as the bird attractions.
The trip advisor questions ask if this is good for a picnic: there's a lunch break where you can buy food and drinks, or take that time to picnic with what you've brought with you in a lovely setting.
Written 14 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora Carl,
Thank you so much for your kind review!
We had a great tour spotting Yellow-eyed Penguins moulting at very close proximity and had a fabulous time viewing the Northern Royal Albatross!
Hope the rest of your trip in NZ went as well as our tour!
Ngā mihi
Mateo
Written 23 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
John D
3 contributions
Feb 2023 • Family
A few weeks ago my family and I went on an Untamed NZ tour to see the Yellow Eyed Penguins on the Otago Peninsula. What a phenomenal experience with an exceptional guide in Mateo Winter. Could not recommend this company enough, professional, informative and extremely enjoyable.
Written 11 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora John, thanks so much for your great review!
It was a pleasure to meet you and your family and show you a part of your backyard that you hadn't experienced before! We had great views of our Yellow-eyed Penguins on tour and I think that the Albatross are a day trip that you and the whānau will enjoy!
Again, thank you so much for joining untamedNZ tour company
Ngā mihi
Mateo
Written 23 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DustyDiamond
Miami Beach, FL26 contributions
We would love to do one of your tours! I am planning now for our trip in January. We will be traveling from the Fiordland Lodge by car to Dunedin and we were planning to stay one night in Dunedin. Is that sufficient time? How long are your tours (in approx. hours), what time of day do they depart and which is the most popular? Thanks - Marion
Mateo W
Dunedin, New Zealand9 contributions
Hi Marion, thanks for your interest in untamedNZ tour company! We have two really nice tours that would be perfect for you. Our City and Wildlife Tour which is roughly 5hrs and takes in Dunedin City and Native forest wildlife or our Peninsula Perfection Tour which takes in Dunedin City and the Otago Peninsula including Larnach Castle, Yellow-eyed Penguins and Royal Albatross. The full itineraries can be found on our website by following the link above.
Look forward to hearing from you!
Best,
Mateo