Taiaroa Head, in Dunedin's often windy peninsula, is home to the ungainly Royal Albatross These amazing birds can fly up to 115 kms per hour and can glide for what seems forever due to their impressive 3 metre wind span. It's the only mainland breeding colony in the Southern hemisphere.
There are a variety of tours to do here. The one hour tour will show you the birds only while the 90 minute tour will add the tunnel complex of the hundred year old fort, allegedly built to combat the anticipated threat of Tsarist Russia. You can even see a working disappearing gun. Just ask at the visitor centre to see what suits you.
Although the Albatross might be the star, there is a variety of other wildlife to see. They include cute yellow eyed penguins, pointy nosed New Zealand fur seals, hooker sea lions and a rare Stewart Island shag.
You can learn all about them in the very informative interactive displays which also explains the historical significance of the area. If you don't fancy getting out into the often blustery conditions you can watch the action unfold inside with the aid of closed circuit cameras that are pointed at the colony. The best times to visit are January and February, when the chicks are hatching and the cuteness factor is overflowing! There are the usual café and gift shop where you can pick up your own souvenir. It's important to note that the wildlife here is exactly that. Wild. So it might pay to bring binoculars or a camera with a zoom for the best view.
Taiaroa Head, Otago Peninsula. 0800 528 767
