The Royal Albatross Centre
The Royal Albatross Centre
The Royal Albatross Centre
4.5
10:15 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
10:15 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
10:15 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
10:15 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
10:15 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
10:15 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
10:15 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
10:15 AM - 4:30 PM
About
The only chance to see... the world's only mainland Royal Albatross Breeding Colony. A unique experience to access the nature reserve to see giant albatross court, mate, raise their chicks and show off their three metre wingspans. Taiaroa Head/Pukekura is alive with wildlife species, many of them scarce nesting seabirds. Our jewel in the crown is the Northern Royal Albatross. Experience it for yourself by taking a guided tour through the Nature Reserve into the viewing Observatory. The 2012 latest Lonely Planet publication "1000 Ultimate Sights" features the Royal Albatross Centre alongside the Taj Mahal and Grand Canyon. They say of us: Here at one of New Zealand's hottest attractions the draw card is the bird life. Taiaroa Head is the site of the world's only mainland royal albatross breeding ground, where you can observe the spectacle of the albatrosses with wingspans of up to 3m coming in to land like a succession of 747s. The Royal Albatross Centre is located on the tip of the Otago Peninsula, about a 45 minute drive from Dunedin. We are operated by the Otago Peninsula Trust, a charitable trust formed in 1967 for the protection of the local natural environment. The Nature Reserve on Taiaroa Head is managed by the Department of Conservation. Taiaroa Head is also famous in New Zealand history. From a small Maori camp in the 1300s to a fortified pa where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840; from a wooden flagstaff to 1864 lighthouse to radar entrance for Otago Harbour; from an 1880s underground fortress to a large defence base in WWII. Taiaroa Head is today a Nature Reserve and an iconic wildlife attraction.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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- Aussie_2012Melbourne, Australia827 contributionsGet to see rare Royal albatrossThe Royal albatross centre is located about 30 minutes from Dunedin on the Otago Peninsula. Parking is plentiful and there a couple short walks to view the wildlife nearby before you enter the centre. Inside you will find a well stocked gift shop, a great cafe with simple cafe fare but at extremely good prices and an informative area describing the life of not only the albatross but also other animals and the people that once called this area home. The actual viewing of the albatross’ is up a small hill where you can enter small hides which look out onto the slopes of the peninsula where the sea birds nest. If you are on one of the tours then be mindful that these hides are small so you are jostling for room on busy days and despite the pleas from guides to make way for others to get close, you might not get the chance as some people are selfish. The birds are not necessarily close to the hides so bring binoculars or have a good zoom on your camera.Visited December 2022Travelled as a coupleWritten 29 December 2022
- Eaa1947Gold Coast, Australia630 contributionsDisappointing visit to this centreIt is supposed to be the only place on earth where you can see the Royal Albatrosses. Well, having been to Antarctica, South Georgia and Falkland island, this place turned out to be very disappointing. We walked up hill to an observation area which was almost closed in with a few eye level glass windows to look through. As it was a group of some 20 people, and we were at the back of the queue, we did not get to the front windows, even from there all we saw was about 3-4 nesting albatrosses but not in flight. Of course we did not see any chicks let alone any eggs. No albatrosses were flying on the day as we were told the winds were light and these birds do not fly in calm conditions. In my opinion it was an utter waste of time and money.Visited December 2022Written 10 January 2023
- Laurel MCalgary, Canada833 contributionsRoyal Albatross Centre and Fort TaiaroaWe booked the Unique Tour where you get to explore both sites at this location. I learned so much about Albatrosses. Fascinating creatures. They come back to the peninsula every spring and the church bells in Dunedin ring to announce their return. There’s a short talk and video about the birds in the area then a walk uphill to the observation room. We saw 6 nesting Albatrosses and a ranger took each chick from under the parent for daily weighing. So fluffy! Two other adults were flying around. Because I was one of the last to enter the viewing room, it was only a matter of asking someone at the window to trade places so I could take some pictures. No big deal. Afterwards our guide led those that booked the Fort Taiaroa tour to the underground battery. The main attraction is the Armstrong disappearing gun, put in place after a Russian vessel was restocking in Wellington in 1886. After a huge cache of armaments was seen on board, New Zealand built the fort as a defence base. Fortunately no battles occurred. It’s a beautiful drive from Dunedin to the tip of the Otago Peninsula and worthwhile to visit the Centre.Visited February 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 February 2023
- Jane PIpswich, United Kingdom461 contributionsAmazing AlbatrossWe booked the 1 hour albatross tour in advance via their website. This is probably the best approach to avoid disappointment, although we did see people turn up and pay at the door on the day of our visit. The experience begins with a talk and a film. Sadly this part was spoilt for us by a crying baby so we could not hear what the presenter was saying or enjoy the film. The walk out to the Albatross viewing area did involve several steps and an incline, but was well worth it to observe the birds in their natural environment. We were lucky to see the birds in flight and sitting on their nests. We felt we had a generous amount of time in the viewing area and were encouraged to share the window space so all participants could see from all angles.Visited March 2023Written 29 March 2023
- Andy FDevizes, United Kingdom1,213 contributionsThe Place To Watch AlbatrossThe central building is a briefing room + shop + cafe + toilets. But it's also a start point for observing the three species of albatross that wheel around the nearby rocky headland. You can also go out on a boat to get more close-up views of these giant-wingspan birds. There are tracks & trails around the Centre.Visited May 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 6 May 2023
- MindyDunedin, New Zealand9 contributionslovelyall well friendly.. very expensive .. (sad that actual dunedin nites have to pay as much as the tourists. ) and can not get to the beach unless giving the farmer a money tree. all was well otherwise until the very end.. when we all were to come out of the gate form seeing the albatross's.. the tour lady was obviously in a rush to go as i realised i was locked in.. and my son had got her as she was just starting her car to leave.. i dont know what i would have done if i were locked in .. so a bit more patience was needed and they nee tdo look after their tourists.. make sure they are all out and not going to be locked in :)Visited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten 10 September 2023
- Simon PHalifax, Canada81 contributionsGreat bird experience. Terrible food preparation.This review falls into two categories: things you can do nothing about and things you can. Part One - A wonderful opportunity to be close to such magnificent birds. The first tour (11am) was without a single albatross being seen. There is nothing anyone can do about that. Fortunately we had time for the centre to honour their free tour (if you don’t see an albatross first time). Part - Two The only hitch with the day was having to send a “cooked” meal back to the kitchen because it wasn’t heated properly. That was within your control and you failed.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 30 October 2023
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4.5
2,163 reviews
Excellent
1,275
Very good
532
Average
208
Poor
88
Terrible
61
Jos v
2 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Biggest rip off of our over 8 week holiday in NZ. Payed $115 to see just 4 white spots for 1/2 hour. If you are looking for gulls, this is the place to be!
Written 29 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.
Go11416868581
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Family
Glorious day, really lucky with albatross on nests and flying around. Gulls on the nest and many chicks. Excellent tour guide. Make sure you visit the disappearing gun.
Written 18 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.
jmgreeneyes1966
Rochester, NY55 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
The Royal Albatross Center is a must see. To see those amazing birds fling overhead is very thrilling. I try to support all of the tours and conservation efforts in New Zealand. These sanctuaries do incredible work.
Written 12 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.
Busy T
Devizes, UK47 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
We were given great views whilst being kept a safe distance from the wildlife, thus giving it a chance! Albatross populations are in a parlours state due to unsustainable population growth which has driven habitat loss, acidification of the sea, climate change and the issues caused by plastics.
So if you are on the Otago Peninsula (close to Dunedin) supporting this organisation is a must.
So if you are on the Otago Peninsula (close to Dunedin) supporting this organisation is a must.
Written 8 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.
Lynette R
Masterton, New Zealand63 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Seeing the albatross up close was amazing! We were lucky to see them on the ground and in the air and they are so beautiful!
We did the Unique tour which also took in the Fort area and that was where we actually saw the birds, so it was lucky we did both. The information was interesting and the guide was very helpful. I would recommend going here for a tour.
We did the Unique tour which also took in the Fort area and that was where we actually saw the birds, so it was lucky we did both. The information was interesting and the guide was very helpful. I would recommend going here for a tour.
Written 8 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.
Simon P
Halifax, Canada81 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
This review falls into two categories: things you can do nothing about and things you can.
Part One - A wonderful opportunity to be close to such magnificent birds. The first tour (11am) was without a single albatross being seen. There is nothing anyone can do about that. Fortunately we had time for the centre to honour their free tour (if you don’t see an albatross first time).
Part - Two The only hitch with the day was having to send a “cooked” meal back to the kitchen because it wasn’t heated properly. That was within your control and you failed.
Part One - A wonderful opportunity to be close to such magnificent birds. The first tour (11am) was without a single albatross being seen. There is nothing anyone can do about that. Fortunately we had time for the centre to honour their free tour (if you don’t see an albatross first time).
Part - Two The only hitch with the day was having to send a “cooked” meal back to the kitchen because it wasn’t heated properly. That was within your control and you failed.
Written 30 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.
Shaun B
5 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Great place to visit saw lots of albatrosses- tour well worth the money. Guide was very informative. Nice cafe too.
Written 25 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.
Connector16760779062
4 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
An incredible site to see Albatrosses, in a location with interesting WWII history as well. Great museum, and nice café too! A must.
Written 13 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.
Richard E
1 contribution
Sep 2023 • Solo
Tours are overpriced and booked in advance so i could not book on the day without a 5 hour wait. Prolific population of seagulls dominates the other wildlife.
Written 23 September 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.
Mindy
Dunedin, New Zealand9 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
all well friendly.. very expensive .. (sad that actual dunedin nites have to pay as much as the tourists. ) and can not get to the beach unless giving the farmer a money tree. all was well otherwise until the very end.. when we all were to come out of the gate form seeing the albatross's.. the tour lady was obviously in a rush to go as i realised i was locked in.. and my son had got her as she was just starting her car to leave.. i dont know what i would have done if i were locked in .. so a bit more patience was needed and they nee tdo look after their tourists.. make sure they are all out and not going to be locked in :)
Written 10 September 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.
bridgetbob
Dunedin, New Zealand1 contribution
Have all birds fledged by end of October? Will there be any visual occupied nests from the observatory?
k0sm056
Kelowna, Canada880 contributions
We will be there tomorrow October 30
Is it likely we’ll see an Albatross?
What time of day will be better?
Kia ora,
We operate our tours from 10:30am, every hour until 5:30pm with 6pm being the last tour. Our afternoon tours may increase your chances of seeing Albatross on land, in flight or both, but they are wild birds free to come and go at their own pleasure. Spaces are limited.
It is a windy cold day, this is great weather for albatross, so it does increase your chances of seeing them. However we don't have any albatross nesting on view as of yet.
Don't hesitate to contact us if you like to book or have further questions.
Kind regards,
Chris McCormack
Operations Manager
Nick K
Merelbeke, Belgium
Hi Guys,
Can you please tell us what the difference is between the blue pinguïn tiki tour and the blue pinguïn tour at 35 dollar?
Thank you in advance!
OtagoPeninsulaTrust
Dunedin, New Zealand5 contributions
Kia Ora, the Blue Penguin TiKi includes return transport and the blue penguins tour from Dunedin city while the Blue Penguin tour is the tour only.
Hope that helps
All the best
Sophie
anne v
Reichenburg23 contributions
Do we need to book tour in advance or just at the centre ?
OtagoPeninsulaTrust
Dunedin, New Zealand5 contributions
Kia ora, we highly recommend booking as spaces are limited and we would hate for you to drive here only to miss out! Bookings can be made online via our website. We hope to see you soon.
Shachar B
1 contribution
Hi, what are the best hours to visit in January? When are the albatros active?
UHCougar82
New Braunfels, TX41 contributions
We recommend the evening, especially if you want to see the penguins too!
JES070
Sydney, Australia1 contribution
are the albatross there in january
OtagoPeninsulaTrust
Dunedin, New Zealand5 contributions
Kia ora
The albatross certainly are there in January, the breedingcyle takes about a whole year. The first chicks to hatch will probably be mid to late January. The teenage albatross are also around and you may get the chance to see some of their flying- the do tend to show off!
All the best
Sophie
Zoloula
68 contributions
We'll be in the area in November, is this a good time to come to see the Albatross and Penguins?
OtagoPeninsulaTrust
Dunedin, New Zealand5 contributions
Kia ora, its always a good time it just depends on what you want to see really. In November we expect to see albatross at the nest and we can guarantee blue penguin viewing on the tour each evening. Kind Regards, the RAC team.
xtne
Auckland Central, New Zealand92 contributions
Planning to take my children (7&8yo) to see the albatross and penguins. What’s a good time to visit to see both?
OtagoPeninsulaTrust
Dunedin, New Zealand5 contributions
Kia ora, it depends on what you want to see but we have different activity here all year round as the breeding seasons play out for the different species. The summer season is quite popular here with both wildlife and tourist activity so we do recommend booking in advance. Do be-aware that our Blue Penguins only come home at dusk and in summer the daylight hours are longer and therefore the Blue Penguin tour can start as late as 9.30pm. Kind Regards, the RAC team.
900hak
Halesworth, UK5 contributions
Hi we are thinking of coming in January . My wife is disabled can you tell me what the access is like . as we would love to see the Albatrosses .
OtagoPeninsulaTrust
Dunedin, New Zealand5 contributions
Kia ora
We have two mobility scooters that visitors are welcome to use - we just need to know when you book a tour that you require a scooter, so we can ensure we have a team member on hand to help - they are very easy to drive!! The centre is accessible, there is a 5 minute walk up a hill, which the scooters are helpful for.
For the penguins we can allow a car to be driven down to the viewing area - again we need to know so we can have a team member available.
Email us from our website and the team will be very happy to help
All the best
Sophie
Linda20162016
Indonesia35 contributions
Do I have to book in advance? Or just go there in the morning and book?
I will be in Dunedin on 23th June 18 in the afternoon (5pm), and stay 1 night, and start to drive to mt. cook at about 1 pm. Do I still have time for this 60 minutes tour?
OtagoPeninsulaTrust
Dunedin, New Zealand5 contributions
Kia ora,
Thank you for your enquiry.
As we are in our winter timetable our albatross tours run between 10.30am and 3pm with the Blue Penguin tour starting at 5.30pm. We do recommend booking as spaces are limited however winter is our quiet season so we are not too busy at this time of the year.
Kind Regards,
The Albatross Team
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Frequently Asked Questions about The Royal Albatross Centre
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