The 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.

It 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.

We 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.

We 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.

The 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.

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 :)

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.