Clearwater Private Penguin & Wildlife Tour from Port Otago (5hrs)
Rated as one of the top 10 experiences in NZ in 2025 by Tripadvisor!
The Clearwater family farm is home to more wildlife per square meter than anywhere in Dunedin.
A chance to see yellow-eyed penguins, NZ sealions, NZ fur seals & pups, albatross, and a wide variety of sea & wading birds, in their natural habitat.
The Clearwater family have been the caretakers of the pristine land a wild & untamed, dramatic environment that we are lucky enough to share with some of NZ's rarest species.
Not accessible to the public, our working farm envelops one of the most beautiful coastal headlands & beaches in NZ.
Your private tour will be guided by an experienced & knowledgeable local guide. Commentary on the tour also includes local history & Dunedin city highlights.
Our comfortable 4WD vehicles are all air conditioned & we provide quality Nikon binoculars & wind & rain proof jackets.
We recommend a 15-minute stop to purchase coffee, food or snacks as there are no food stops along the way.
Options
Clearwater Private Penguin & Wildlife Tour from Port Otago (5hrs)
What's included in Clearwater Private Penguin & Wildlife Tour from Port Otago (5hrs)
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Otago Peninsula
The journey to the Clearwater family’s farm at Cape Saunders takes you through the remote backcountry & tidal inlets of the Otago Peninsula where you will see a variety of wetland & wading birds amid breath-taking scenery. Arrive at Cape Saunders through our working farm & experience a colony of NZ fur seals with pups & a variety of sea birds from two stunning viewing locations overlooking the wild & rugged Pacific Ocean. We then journey through our native conservation reserve to a private beach & the vital breeding grounds for rare, yellow-eyed penguins & NZ sea lions. Witness this special place from several viewing hides & secluded locations while exploring one of NZ’s most beautiful untouched natural beaches. After embarking on a spectacular wildlife experience & witnessing unforgettable vistas & breathtaking coastal beach & shore environments we complete the journey back to your pickup location. Optional: 15 min stop at Port Chalmers Village to purchase coffee, food or snacks
Dunedin RailwaysPass-by Only
The spectacular Dunedin Railway Station – The most photographed building in New Zealand!
Inclusions
- There are toilet facilities at the farm.
- Complimentary water & cookies
- Complimentary Warm & Waterproof Jackets
- Complimentary High-Quality Binoculars
- All our vehicles are Air-conditioned and are fulltime 4WD.
- There is no food included on this tour & no food stops on the way. Guests are welcome to purchase coffee, food or snacks at Port Chalmers village straight after your pick up from the cruise terminal.
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Level of fitness: There are some hills to walk up and down. There are also several sets of steps and stairs therefore the terrain visited is not suitable for persons with walking disabilities and wheelchairs. Small children might have difficulty keeping up on the trails - we recommend bringing a front back or carrier for small children.
- Clothing: Our tours are an outdoor activity in a land where maritime weather prevails, the weather can change very quickly, regardless of the season. Always bring warm and waterproof clothes.
- Footwear: Walking shoes/boots with good tread are recommended and necessary if conditions are wet or muddy.
- Food: Tours are 4 hours in duration, so guests are welcome to bring pre-packed food and drink as there are no opportunities to stop for food during our tours.
- Children: Small children might have difficulty keeping up on the trails - we recommend bringing a front back or carrier for small children. We have toddler car seats and booster seats available for small children. For safety reasons children are not able to sit on an adult's lap.
- Medicines: Personal medicines etc. should be carried if required on all tours. Any medical condition which could potentially be a problem should be communicated to your guide at the start of a tour.
- Photography: There will be some amazing photo opportunities during our tours. Bring your best camera!
- Not recommended for travelers with mobility issues
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- Once you disembark your ship it is only a 100 meter walk to our meeting point at the Port Chalmers Cruise Ship Terminal. Please check in to the I-Site information desk upon your arrival into the terminal. Your private guide will be there displaying a Clearwater Wildlife Tours sign and logo.
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
Health restrictions: Not recommended for travelers with mobility issues. Level of difficulty: Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level. Level of fitness: There are some small hills to walk up and down. There are also several sets of steps and stairs therefore the terrain visited is not suitable for persons with walking disabilities and wheelchairs. Small children might have difficulty keeping up on the trails - we recommend bringing a front back or carrier for children 3 and under. Clothing: Our tours are an outdoor activity in a land where maritime weather prevails, the weather can change very quickly, regardless of the season. Always bring warm and waterproof clothes. Footwear: Walking shoes/boots with good tread are recommended and necessary if conditions are wet or muddy. Food: Tours are 4 hours in duration, so guests are welcome to bring pre-packed food and drink as there are no opportunities to stop for food during our tours. However, food is not allowed out of the van in the wildlife viewing areas. Children: Small children might have difficulty keeping up on the trails - we recommend bringing a front back or carrier for children 3 and under. Travelers must bring their own car seats for infants and small children. For safety reasons children are not able to sit on an adult's lap. Medicines: Personal medicines etc. should be carried if required on all tours. Any medical condition which could potentially be a problem should be communicated to your guide at the start of a tour. Photography: There will be some amazing photo opportunities during our tours, but we do not allow close up flash photography of wildlife as this may startle or injure them. Please ensure that you are familiar with your camera options or ask one of our friendly team for advice.
