Tour Information 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 your place now! A proportion of every ticket sold at the Royal Albatross Centre goes directly towards the fostering and protection of the Northern Royal Albatross. Witness the fascinating social and family life of the breeding colony, devoted parents guarding their chicks; adolescents posturing and displaying as only juveniles can, courtship proceedings, nest building and interplay.... enjoy the privilege of viewing these majestic seabirds in their natural environment.
•Unique Taiaroa Tour
Combines the Royal Albatross and Fort Taiaroa Tours. Tour duration: 90 minutes This combination tour is a rewarding experience. This guided tour takes 90 minutes and includes the introductory "Attenborough" video, albatross breeding cycle information, Colony viewing from the Richdale Observatory then through the tunnels beneath the colony to Fort Taiaroa and the 1886 Armstrong Disappearing Gun. Prices valid until September 2008 Adult $35 • Child $17 • Family $87
• Albatross Tour
Tour duration: 60 minutes Spectacular Albatross viewing from the Richdale Observatory including the introductory "Attenborough" video and albatross breeding cycle information. Prices valid until September 2008 Adult $30• Child $14• Family $75
• Fort Taiaroa Tour
Tour duration: 30 minutes The Fort Taiaroa guided tour takes you back into New Zealand's colonial past. It covers the Maori and European occupation of the headland with a visit to 'Fort Taiaroa,' underground fortifications beneath the Albatross Colony. Walk through the underground tunnels to the 1886 Armstrong Disappearing Gun that is still in working order. This was established to counter the anticipated threat of invasion from Tsarist Russia. Prices valid until September 2008 Adult $15• Child $7• Family $37
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Please note: that during the period from 17 September to 23 November each year, we offer an alternative tour, Taiaroa Experience. This is to reduce disturbance while the new season’s birds return and renew their pair bonds. The Royal Albatross and Unique Taiaroa tours are unavailable over this period.
• Taiaroa Experience
The Taiaroa Experience takes 60 minutes and includes the introductory‘ Attenborough’ video, albatross breeding cycle information, then a talk about the Maori and European history and occupation of the headland with a visit to Fort Taiaroa through the underground tunnels, to the 1886 Disappearing Gun. Prices valid until November 2008 Adult $22• Child $11
The Royal Albatross Centre is open daily all year except Christmas Day. Tours from 9am to dusk in summer and generally from 10am to 4pm in winter except on Tuesdays when the first tour is at 10.30am. Colony viewing from the observatory from the 24th November until the 16th September each year. Allow half a day for the total experience - an hour's drive each way from Dunedin and two hours at Unique Taiaroa. Prior bookings 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
The Royal Albatross Centre is operated by the Otago Peninsula Trust, a charitable organisation committed to the promotion and preservation of the Otago Peninsula. Proceeds from tours contribute to ecology enhancement and protection.