Welcome to the Otago Peninsula, New Zealand - Unique in the World

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•Toroa, the 500th Chick, Turns One!

Seventy years after the legendary Otago naturalist Lance Richdale first began his work protecting and observing Northern Royal Albatross at Taiaroa Head, the 500th royal chick hatched on 26th January 2007. So Saturday 27 January 2008, marks Toroa's, Maori for Albatross, first birthday. For the first time in the Albatross Colony's history, we now know the exact location of three of the birds, including Toroa, since fledging from Taiaroa Head last September. Toroa is currently feeding off the coast of Chile and has generally stayed within 20 - 100 km of the coastline, so he is staying on the continental shelf. Toroa has so far travelled 17,012 kilometres over a period of 123 days with a maximum speed recorded at 109km/hr. The maximum altitude he has reached above sea level is 29 metres and a maximum total daily distance of 1020km, recorded during October when Toroa was crossing the southern ocean. This information is available thanks to the special satellite tracking initiative where Toroa and two other young birds were fitted with lightweight transmitters which track their position by satellite every six hours. more>>

The Royal Albatross Colony at Taiaroa Head, on the tip of the Otago Peninsula, New Zealand, is the only mainland breeding colony for any albatross species found in the southern hemisphere. The first Taiaroa-reared albatross chick flew in 1938 and this now protected nature reserve has grown into an established colony with a population of around 140 birds.
The sight of a soaring albatross is unforgettable - held aloft on slim wings up to 3 metres (9'6") across, the great Albatross is capable of swooping speeds of more than 115kph. Viewing these majestic seabirds in their natural environment is not to be missed. Visitors to the Royal Albatross Centre can view the interpretative wildlife displays, learn of the historical use of the area and experience the famous Unique Taiaroa guided tours, call +64 3 478-0499 to reserve you place now or click here to complete an online booking request! more» Beneath the peaceful nature reserve lie the tunnels of Fort Taiaroa, established over 100 years ago to counter the anticipated threat of invasion from Tsarist Russia. Visitors here are very fortunate to be able to view the only working-order Armstrong Disappearing Gun (1886) of its type left in the world. more» Experience a tour of the diverse features of Taiaroa Head, an area unique in the world for the variety and richness of the bird and marine life found there. Blue Penguins, Fur Seals, Sea Lions, and the rare Stewart Island Shag are amongst the amazing array of other birdlife found here.
Reservations are essential - don't miss out on this amazing experience Click here to reserve your place at the Albatross Centre or call toll free within NZ 0800 528 767 or +64 3 478 0499