Fort Taiaroa & Royal Albatross Centre

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This military post was developed in 1885 as part of Dunedin’s harbour defences. It is now open to the public and features a lighthouse, tunnels and a working Armstrong disappearing gun. The fort is also home to seals, a Stewart Island shag colony and the world’s only mainland albatross colony.

The Royal Albatross Centre has displays that provide insight into these enormous sea birds, which have a wingspan of 3m, and it also leads guided tours of the albatross colony between late November and mid-September.

Our address

Address:
1260 Harington Point Road, Harington Point, Otago Peninsula 9077
Telephone (03) 478 0499
Website www.albatross.org.nz
Albatross viewing tour $50; Fort Taiaroa tour $25; albatross viewing and Fort Taiaroa tour $55; blue penguin viewing tour $35
    Open summer 10.15am–dusk, tours from 11am; winter 10.15am–dusk, tours from 10.30am

    There are 4 comments from Foursquare

  • Mihhail, 30 Dec 2018


    You can see penguins only on dusk, so plan ahead! Seals and a lot of seagulls are available throughout the day.

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  • Gabriel, 24 Nov 2018


    Tours to the only mainland Albatross colony in the world and Little Penguins depart from here. And an old fort, but that's probably the least popular

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  • Ashley, 05 Aug 2016


    Extremely interesting and educational experience about Taiaroa Head. I highly recommend taking the tour, and Mary is a great guide!

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  • Julie, 13 Aug 2015


    Mary was our guide and she was terrific. Such a great experience to see this magnificent birds in their habitat. Stay for the penguins! You're bound to see some coming home for the night!! So cute!

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