This tourwith 4 Nature Tours combines viewing the world's rarest penguin with the unique Moeraki Boulders, stunning scenery, an ancient rocky gorge, the ancient forest and magical array of birds at Orokonui Ecosanctury and Dunedin City highlights. This Nature tour is aimed at Cruise ship passengers or those who want to fit a bit of everything into their day. 

We will take a scenic tour through picturesque farmland and the ancient Trotters Gorge. Then on to one of our stunning beaches where the fascinating Moeraki Boulders lay as though a group of giants has been playing bowls on the beach. These 60 million year old concretions are unique to this small stretch of coastline. After which we will we will stop for morning tea.

Nearby, a stroll along gently sloping grass paths takes you to a breeding colony of the endangered yellow eyed penguins.

As one of only two small tour operators permitted to guide groups at this site you can avoid the crowds, take your time and thoroughly enjoy meeting the world's third largest penguin.

New Zealand Fur seals often haul out on the beaches below and can be watched frolicking in the surf.

A wide variety of sea birds and the little blue penguins also visit this dramatic location.

Find out more about New Zealand's rarest penguin the yellow eye and other wildlife enctountered on you tour below.

You then have the option of enjoying (at your expense) a fabulous lunch from options such as sea food chowder, a Kai Moana (see food platter) or local freshly caught fish at Fleur's Place one of New Zealand's best sea food restaurants, located on the harbour front at Moeraki or fish and chips on the beach.

A scenic drive along awesome coastal scenery allows for sweeping views of curving pristine beaches and dramatic coves.

We then explore Orokonui Ecosanctuary, a “mainland island” where rare birds and reptiles are protected by a predator proof fence nd the forest flourishes in the absence of rates, stoats, possums and other pests.

A guided tour of the sanctuary provides ample opportunity to get up close to the resident wildlife, marvel at 500 year old rimu trees, other ancient podocarps, and prehistoric fern trees in this magical forest landscape.

Experience the evolution of the forest from young bush, to regenerating forest through to mature mixed broad leaf and podocarp forest.

Encounter the widest range of forest birdlife available on the South Island.

A hill top drive to Dunedin provides stunning views over Otago Harbour. 

We then sample some of the highlights of Dunedin City: Baldwin Street, the world's steepest street, New Zealand's oldest Botanical Gardens, Dunedin Railway Station with its mosaic floor and Royal Doulton tiled walls and the First Church.

You will then be returned to your Dunedin accommodation or via a scenic drive down the Otago harbour to your cruise ship at Port Chalmers.

This tour includes:morning tea and all entry fees.

A selection of teas, freshly brewed fair trade coffee, juice or water and home made cookies are available at any time, though we will make a scheduled stop.

Lunch is at the client's expense. 

Yellow eyed penguins are commonly seen on shore during daylight hours from October to April.

From April to October they normally only come ashore at dusk, tour departure times can be adjusted to enable twilight viewing if desired.