Royal Albatross Centre, Otago Peninsula, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Royal Albatross Colony and Centre
 The Royal Albatross Centre is nestled at the foot of Taiaroa Head, at one with its environment. Start your wildlife adventure - step into the foyer dominated by Poutokomanawa, a carved pole telling the history of the Maori people of the headland. Settle back for an introduction to the Royal Albatross narrated by Sir David Attenborough. Your guide will take you through the bird's fascinating story.
From the Centre, it's a short walk to the Observatory for the privilege of seeing the greatest of all seabirds. Wander through the McMillan Gallery and learn more of the history and wildlife of the area. Enjoy a snack or meal at the Royal Albatross Café and look out for a memento - you'll want to remember the day you met the Royals of Taiaroa!
Experience a tour of the diverse features of Taiaroa Head, an area unique in the world for the variety and richness of the bird and marine life found there, together with its human heritage of settlement and use from the days of Maori fortification to the present.
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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 toll free within NZ 0800 528 767 or +64 3 478 0499
- http://www.albatross.org.nz
- to reserve you 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 priviledge of viewing these majestic seabirds in their natural environment.
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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 2009. Adult $39• Child $19• Family $97
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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 2009. Adult $19• Child $9• Family $47
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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.
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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 2009. Adult $45 • Child $22 • Family $112.50
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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 2009. Adult $25• Child $12
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- 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
To reserve your place at the Albatross Centre 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.
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An Otago Peninsula Trust Enterprise.
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