Taiaroa Head is unique for the diversity of wildlife which abounds on this small headland, and includes the only mainland colony of albatross in the world. The first albatross chick flew from Taiaroa Head in 1938 and from that date the colony has slowly grown, with the area now protected as a nature reserve. The albatross is one of eleven bird species which breed in the area; the rare Stewart Island Shag nests below the nature reserve viewing area, giving visitors on a guided tour an excellent opportunity to view year-round activity. Southern fur seals can be seen at Pilots Beach, or often young pups can be seen from the cliff tops on the eastern side of the Headland, playing in rockpools or sleeping in the sun. The rare yellow-eyed penguin can be observed close by. The area is alive with seabirds, as the protection given to the albatross colony has allowed many other species to flourish. This remarkable abundance of wildlife is drawn to the area by the Southern Ocean's cold currents which rise above the continental shelf, providing a rich and constant food source.

The headland was in use by Maori as a defensive retreat long before being fortified by European settlers in 1885. Between the establishment of a whaling station near Taiaroa Head in the 1830's and the end of the second world war in the 1940's, Taiaroa Head was continuously inhabited and was the scene of much activity.