Clearwater Wildlife Tours (small group 10max) Otago Peninsula
Recommended by 99% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula, New Zealand
- 4 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Enjoy getting out of Dunedin for half a day and traveling to the wildlife-filled Otago Peninsula without the stress of renting a car. Travel out to a conservation area and secluded beach on a headland, where you will look out for yellow-eyed penguins, fur seals, albatross, sea lions, and more. The small-group setting means you can ask questions and go at a gentle pace.
- Get access to a private wildlife habitat you couldn't visit alone
- A chance to see some of New Zealand’s rarest species in the wild
- Binoculars and wind- and water-proof jackets can be provided
- Meet at a convenient spot in the central-city Octagon
What's Included
- Complimentary High Quality Binoculars
- Complimentary wind & rain proof jackets
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- There are toilet facilities at the farm and at our meeting point in the Octagon.
- We have complimentary water & cookies on board
- SnacksThere are no food stops along the way. Guests are welcome to bring a packed lunch or snacks.
- Our tour is not suitable for children under 5 years of age
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 50 The Octagon, Central Dunedin, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
Please wait directly outside the Dunedin i-Site Visitor Information Centre, located at 50 The Octagon in Central Dunedin. Our white branded tour vehicle will arrive only a few minutes prior to the tour start time. Please arrive 10 minutes prior to the start time and allow plenty of time for parking.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
1
Otago Peninsula
4 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Fitness and Mobility Requirements: A reasonable level of fitness and mobility is required for this tour. The experience includes approximately 1.5 km of walking over uneven natural terrain, including sand, hills, inclines, steps, and stairs. Participants should be able to walk independently and maintain their footing on uneven surfaces. This tour is not suitable for guests with significant mobility impairments, walking disabilities, or medical conditions that may be adversely affected by moderate physical activity on uneven terrain.
- 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. For those that are unprepared we provide wind and rain proof jackets.
- 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. 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 so bring your best camera.
- Cancellation Policy: To receive a full refund, travelers may cancel up to 24 hours before the experience start time in the local time zone. No refunds will be given after that time period.
- Cruise Ship Passengers: Please advise us of the name of the cruise ship you are arriving on and read our cruise ship cancellation policy carefully (available on our website).
- Health and Safety: Guests with heart conditions, respiratory conditions, balance issues, recent injuries, or other medical conditions that may affect their ability to safely participate should carefully consider their suitability for this tour and contact us prior to booking if they have any questions.
- Not recommended for travelers with mobility issues.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Eric_K
Our tour guide Tom was awesome. We learned so much about the region and the indigenous people. And then we saw some amazing birds. And oh the sea lions. So cool and up close too. Wonderful tour that we would recommend to everyone.
Reviews
4.9
based on 682 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Silky_M, Apr 2026
One of the best and highly recommended experience for wildlife lovers. The highlight of the trip was watching yellow eyed penguins, we were lucky and saw 3 of them. It was a great outing, thanks to Adrian.
Response from Host, May 2026
Hi Silky, we are so pleased you joined us for a tour - it was a delight hosting you! We hope you will carry lifelong memories of the precious yellow eyed penguins you saw, and the beauty of our region. Wishing you enjoyable and memorable onward travels. - Kim and the Clearwater Wildlife team.
Karen_G, Apr 2026
A great small group tour on private property. Unfortunately we did not get to see the penguins which are only able to be seen at certain times of the day and year. That was disappointing, but we did get up close to the sea lions and we learned a lot from our tour guide.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hi Karen, thanks so much for your lovely review. We appreciate the 5-stars, despite the fact the yellow eyed penguins were being 'shy' that day. Rest assured, we have hoiho (yellow eyed penguin) on and around our private land all year round and at all times of the day. However, they are wild creatures with natural seasons and rhythms and they can be more *visible* during their most active times. The vast majority of our guests are able to view them ... we are sorry that they were hiding from you that day. We hope you built lifelong memories of our special part of the world and wish you safe and enjoyable travels. Kind regards, Kim and the Clearwater Wildlife team.
JUDY_N, Apr 2026
This is a great tour to do while in Dunedin. Our guide Quinn had a wealth of knowledge about the birds and wildlife on the peninsular. We drove past inlets and spotted many types of birds on our way up to the farm. It was a clear afternoon and we saw seals from the lookout cabin and later when we descended to the beach we saw sea lions. Unfortunately a low cloud came in from the sea and the area became a bit foggy for a while. We climbed back up to a viewing cabin to hopefully spot a yellow eyed penguin and were lucky to see one on the hillside. The scenery is beautiful, the wildlife is special and it was an amazing afternoon. Thank you Quinn.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hi Judy,
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We are glad you enjoyed spotting so much beautiful scenery and wildlife along the way, even with the fog rolling in for a while.
Quinn will appreciate your kind words. Those changing conditions are all part of the wild Otago coast, so it is always nice when patience is rewarded with a yellow eyed penguin sighting. Thank you for choosing to tour with us while you were in Dunedin.
Warm regards,
Rachel & The Clearwater Wildlife Team
Eric_K, Mar 2026
Our tour guide Tom was awesome. We learned so much about the region and the indigenous people. And then we saw some amazing birds. And oh the sea lions. So cool and up close too. Wonderful tour that we would recommend to everyone.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hi Eric,
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the time with Tom and appreciated learning more about the region and its history, as well as seeing the birds and sea lions up close.
It’s great to know the tour left such a positive impression. Thank you for the 5 stars and for joining us.
Warm regards,
Rachel & The Clearwater Wildlife Team
Susan_R, Mar 2026
This activity is worth the time, drive, and money! Leaving from the port and driving “out to the farm” is an enjoyable drive with a very knowledgeable guide. The farm is over 300 acres of a working operation located on miles of untouched spectacular coastline. Unbelievably stunning! The walk involves some steps and inclines, no doubt, so make sure you are realistic with your abilities. Our descent from the bluff down to the beach was exciting as there was a colony of male sea lions basking in the sun. We were able to observe them up to the legal clearance while standing on a totally, again, pristine crescent beach. Paula was our guide and she was totally excited when she spotted an orca swimming along the coast while we were perched on the seal observation deck!! Oh I forgot to mention adorable seals playing on the rocks. Just a beautiful day in the wide open spaces of New Zealand. Bravo!!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hi Susan,
Thank you for sharing such a detailed account of your day with us. We are pleased to hear you enjoyed the drive out to the farm, the coastline, and the chance to see sea lions and seals up close.
Paula will be glad to know the orca sighting made such an impression, those moments are always a special bonus!. We also appreciate you mentioning the walking involved, as it helps future guests come prepared. Thank you for choosing to spend the day with us.
Warm regards,
Rachel & The Clearwater Wildlife Team
JANET_W, Mar 2026
Absolutely stunning scenery! We saw a mother and baby fur seal lots of sea lions and incredible scenery. I would highly recommend this tour. We dud mot see any penguins but everything we saw was amazing
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hi Janet,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We’re pleased to hear you enjoyed the scenery and seeing the fur seals and sea lions, especially the mums with their pups.
While penguin sightings can never be guaranteed, it’s great to know the rest of the wildlife and landscape made the tour worthwhile for you. Thank you for the recommendation and for joining us.
Warm regards,
Rachel & The Clearwater Wildlife Team
Angela_W, Mar 2026
This tour is so much more than penguins 🐧.
Tom was our guide on March 25th 2026. We had almost no wind, the temperature was in the low 60s (fahrenheit), and no rain so not sure about windy rainy days, but would have done that too as that was what we expected. We were able to see albatross, fur seals, sea lions,, pied still, ohhhh and so so much more. We only saw one penguin, but I think that had to do with coming in the fall.
The views were amazing, Tom was great and we wish him much success as he transitions to teaching at the university there. The farm is amazing and Im so thankful the family is investing in conservation and the future of Dunedin and New Zealand.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hi Angela,
Wow ! Thank you for the amazing review. I am thrilled you enjoyed the variety of wildlife and the stunning weather made it a special outing.
It’s lovely to hear that Tom made a positive impression, I’ll be sure to pass on your good wishes as he moves into the next chapter. We also really appreciate your kind words about the farm and our ongoing commitment to conservation around Dunedin and the Peninsula.
Thank you for joining us.
Rachel & The Clearwater Wildlife Team
Bruce_F, Mar 2026
This is one of the best wildlife experiences we have ever had. Sea Lions, Albatross, Fur Seals, Yellow Eyed Penguins and a whole host of local and migratory coastal birds all up close and with an expert and passionate guide. This tour really gave you an insight into the challenges of supporting this special creatures that face so many survival challenges. Plus the harbour and coastal views where amazing. We highly recommend this tour.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hi Bruce,
Thank you so much for sharing such an awesome review. We’re absolutely delighted to hear that this was one of the best wildlife experiences you’ve had that means a great deal to us!
It’s fantastic to know you enjoyed seeing such a wide range of wildlife up close and the many species that call this area home. We’re especially pleased that our guide’s passion and knowledge helped provide insight into both the beauty of the Peninsula and the real conservation challenges these special creatures face.
Safe travels,
Rachel & The Clearwater Wildlife Team
David_N, Mar 2026
Amazing small group wildlife tour! Guide was extremely knowledgable of the area and very respectful of the wildlife and ecology of this unique area in New Zealand. Good time and value!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hi David,
Thank you very much for taking the time to share your experience and for such a positive review. We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the small‑group format and found the tour both informative and good value. Your kind words mean a lot to the entire team.
Thank you again for choosing Clearwater Wildlife Tours and for the recommendation.
Warm regards,
Rachel & The Clearwater Wildlife Team
Lesley_C, Mar 2026
We had a great tour with Quinn. He was a wealth of info on the seals, penguins and bird life. We learned about all the landmarks and all the conservation efforts
The absolute best tour. Definitely recommend this tour
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hi Lesley,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review and for joining us on a tour with Quinn. We’re thrilled to hear how much you enjoyed the experience and that Quinn’s knowledge of the seals, penguins, birdlife, and local landmarks made the tour so memorable for you.
Sharing our conservation efforts and helping guests connect more deeply with the environment is at the heart of what we do, so it’s especially rewarding to hear that this stood out for you. Thank you for the strong recommendation, it truly means a lot to Quinn and the entire team.
Warm regards,
Rachel & The Clearwater Wildlife Team
Christine_S, Mar 2026
our guide was so good, very informative and helpful. He made the trip extra special. It was a great choice for our land excursion from the cruise ship
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hi Christine, we are so pleased you chose to spend your 'Dunedin day' with us. It means a lot to us that you enjoyed your experience. Wishing you safe and memorable onward travels! - Kim and the Clearwater Wildlife team.
Adam_W, Mar 2026
Fantastic Tour! Adrian was an incredibly knowledgeable and engaging guide a happy to answer any questions. Spectacular views of wildlife and the peninsula!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hi Adam, thanks so much for joining us on tour. We are thrilled to hear you enjoyed your wildlife experience with us, and we really appreciate your kind words about Adrian. We are very proud of all our guides, and Adrian is an absolute superstar! Wishing you safe and enjoyable travels! - Kim and the Clearwater Wildlife team.
Louise_H, Mar 2026
Our experience had been accurately described to the tour specifics. This was a different experience to what would usually appeal to us and turned out to be very much a positive change that will influence what we consider for future experiences.
Our guide, Adrian, was super knowledgeable and we were fortunate to have someone with his experience and expertise to inform and entertain us.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thanks so much for your lovely review, Louise. We are delighted that you and Andrew 'took the plunge' and decided to come on tour with us. It was our pleasure hosting you both and we hope you have built lifelong memories of our wee corner of the world. Wishing you safe and enjoyable travels. - Kim and the Clearwater Wildlife team.
Garth_M, Mar 2026
We were very fortunate that the weather was perfect on our trip - 4th March 26. Adriane was extremely informative and we managed to see all the animals and birds in the area.
Great day, do not miss it.
Garth
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hi Garth. We are so pleased you decided to join us on tour and appreciate your kind words about Adrian, and your experience with us. We trust that you, Susan, David and Diane enjoyed the rest of your time in Dunedin and New Zealand. Wishing you all the best! - Kim and the Clearwater Wildlife team.
Margaret_D, Mar 2026
Excellent day, very knowledgeable guide, well organized and on time. Would highly recommend,y recommend!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hi Margaret, thanks so much for your lovely review. It was our pleasure hosting you, Al, Linda, Kal and Wendy on tour and we are delighted to hear you had a great time. Wishing you all safe and enjoyable onward travels. - Kim and the Clearwater Wildlife team.
Michael_C, Mar 2026
This was a great tour and as advertised with only 5 couples and our driver/guide Ben. On the drive out to the Clearwater farm, he kept us informed about Dunedin and the surrounding area and then through the winding roads through the farmsteads. We saw seals, sea lions, sheep and a penguin in their natural habitats. There was some walking and a few staircases to navigate, however my wife and I both in our sixties managed it fine.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hi Michael
Thank you for joining us and for sharing such a thoughtful review. It is wonderful to hear that you enjoyed your time with Ben and the small group experience. He loves sharing stories about Dunedin and the peninsula, so it is great to know that came through on your tour.
We are delighted you were able to see such a nice variety of wildlife in their natural environment. The seals, sea lions, sheep and that special penguin sighting always make the journey out to the farm feel memorable.
I am also glad to hear the walking and stair sections were manageable for you both. Most guests find the terrain very achievable with steady pacing, and it is always reassuring to hear this reflected in experiences like yours.
We truly appreciate you choosing to support our family business.
Rachel and The Clearwater Wildlife Team
Amelia_W, Mar 2026
An amazing experience! Such a beautiful drive to Cape Saunders. Our tour guide Ferg was very friendly and knowledgeable. Had a great time seeing all the birds, seals, sea lions and penguins! Thanks Ferg for such a great day ☺️
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hi Amelia
It is wonderful to hear that you enjoyed the beautiful drive out to Cape Saunders and had such a great time with Ferg. He will be delighted to know his friendliness and knowledge helped make the day memorable for you.
Seeing birds, seals, sea lions and penguins all in one tour is always a treat, and we are so glad you were able to experience such a nice variety of wildlife in their natural environment.
Thank you again for joining us and we hope the rest of your travels are just as enjoyable.
Rachel and The Clearwater Wildlife Team
Cindy_S, Mar 2026
This experience is exactly as described - and it was amazing! Quinn was our guide for the tour and he had so much great information about the local birds and wildlife. We enjoyed every minute of our time on the trip.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hi Cindy
Thank you for sharing such a lovely review. We are delighted to hear that you had an amazing wildlife experience and that the tour lived up to your expectations.
Quinn will be so pleased to hear your kind words. He has a real passion for the birds and wildlife of the peninsula, and it is wonderful to know his knowledge added so much to your day.
We are thrilled you enjoyed every minute of your time with us. Wishing you many more great adventures during your travels.
Rachel and The Clearwater Wildlife Team
Diane_D, Mar 2026
An excellent small group tour with a fabulous, knowledgeable guide, Ben in our case. Travelling out to the Otago Peninsula to see New Zealand fur seals, sea lions and the yellow eyed penguins. The penguins are very elusive but we did manage to see one on our trip 😄😄. We even got the chance to share the beach with some huge Sea Lions, whilst Ben kept a watchful eye out, ensuring our safety at all times. Thank you Ben for a memorable day.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hi Diane
Thank you for sharing such a lovely review. It is wonderful to hear that you enjoyed your small group tour with Ben and had the chance to see fur seals, sea lions and a yellow eyed penguin. They can be very elusive at this time of year, so it is always a special moment when one appears.
Sharing the beach with those impressive sea lions is an unforgettable experience, and Ben takes great care to ensure everyone feels safe while still enjoying that incredible closeness to nature. We are delighted to hear the day was so memorable for you.
Thank you again for joining us and enjoy the rest of your time in New Zealand.
Rachel and The Clearwater Wildlife Team
Alisha_F, Mar 2026
This excursion was absolutely amazing! We ended up getting off the cruise ship later than expected and technically missed our 9:30am departure, but they kindly allowed us to join the 10am group with no issues at all. That flexibility immediately set the tone for a great experience.
The tour is small and intimate, which made it feel much more personal. Adrian was our tour guide and he was incredibly knowledgeable and clearly passionate about the wildlife and conservation efforts. You can tell they genuinely care about the wildlife, not just running a tour.
We had cold, windy, and rainy weather the entire time, but honestly, it didn’t take away from the experience at all. It was still absolutely worth it. We saw so much wildlife up close, which was unforgettable. They provided high-quality rain jackets and binoculars, which was a great touch. That said, if you own really high-quality binoculars, I’d recommend bringing them. The ones provided were very nice, but my husband and I have an even better pair and I wished we had brought ours.
Overall, it was an incredible experience and everyone was so kind and accommodating. I would highly recommend this excursion to anyone visiting!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hi Alisha
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful and detailed review. We are so glad the tour turned into an amazing experience for you, even with the unexpected late arrival. We understand that cruise ship timings can change, so we do our best to be flexible whenever possible. It is lovely to hear that starting with the 10am group helped set a positive tone for the day.
Adrian will be delighted to hear your kind words. His passion for the wildlife and the conservation work on our land runs deep, and it means a lot when guests recognise the genuine care behind what we do.
Cold, windy and rainy days on the peninsula certainly add a bit of wild character, but it is wonderful to hear that the weather didn’t take away from the experience at all. Seeing so much wildlife up close in those conditions makes the day feel even more memorable. We are glad the jackets and binoculars were helpful, and your note about bringing high‑quality personal binoculars is great advice for future travellers.
Thank you again for joining us and for your lovely recommendation. We hope the rest of your travels are just as special.
Rachel and The Clearwater Wildlife Team
Bob_C, Feb 2026
Penguins seals and sea lions were the highlight! We also saw many bird species, the walking was not a problem for anyone in our group the stairs are a bit tiresome but doable.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hi Bob
Thank you for sharing your review. It is great to hear that you enjoyed the tour and that the penguins, seals and sea lions were such highlights of your day. Seeing all three in their natural environment is always a special experience.
The stairs up to the nesting area do take a bit of effort, but this section can be skipped by anyone who prefers to sit it out. It is great to hear you made it and found it worthwhile.
Thank you again for joining us and enjoy the rest of your time in New Zealand.
Rachel and The Clearwater Wildlife Team
Jeffrey_H, Feb 2026
The viewing areas for the fur seals, sea lions, and penguins were very well placed. Both the fur seals and the sea lions were very active. We had a good view of the yellow eyed penguins preening and standing - the tour provided binoculars. Our guide provided a lot of interesting information about the animals, the area, and New Zealand in general . I highly recommend this tour - they met us at the cruise ship shuttle bus drop off - very organized.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hi Jeffrey
Thank you for sharing your review. It is wonderful to hear that you enjoyed the viewing areas and had such great sightings of the fur seals, sea lions and yellow eyed penguins. Watching the penguins preening is always a special moment, and we are glad the binoculars helped you get a good look.
It is great to hear you enjoyed the commentary as well. Our local guides love sharing their knowledge about the wildlife, the peninsula and New Zealand’s natural history, so it is lovely to know you found it interesting.
We are also pleased the cruise ship pickup worked smoothly for you. Keeping things organised and easy for guests is something we take pride in.
Thank you again for joining us and for your recommendation.
Rachel and The Clearwater Wildlife Team
Sheila_M, Feb 2026
Fantastic! Our driver/guide was knowledgeable and enthusiastic regarding the wildlife. With a small group, max 10, you are made to feel included. We saw many of the species expected (hoped for) including albatross, yellow eyed penguins, fur seals and sea lions, plus numerous other birds. The location is fairly remote and off the beaten track so it seemed more likely that we’d see the less common animals.
There are some places with quite a lot of steps so be prepared. But the effort was definitely worth it!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hi Sheila
Thank you for sharing your fantastic review. It is wonderful to hear that you enjoyed the small group experience and felt included throughout the tour. Our guides are passionate about the wildlife on the peninsula, and it is great to know their knowledge and enthusiasm added so much to your day.
You had an excellent range of sightings, from albatross and yellow eyed penguins to fur seals, sea lions and the many other bird species that make this area so special. Being in a remote, quiet location certainly does increase the chances of seeing some of the rarer animals, and we are glad you enjoyed that aspect of the tour.
There are indeed a few sections with steps, and we appreciate you mentioning it. The effort is definitely rewarded with some incredible views and wildlife moments.
Thank you again for joining us and for your recommendation.
Rachel and The Clearwater Wildlife Team
Brian_R, Feb 2026
Booked this because of the small group. Drive up from the centre of Dunedin took around 75 mins but Ferg our driver and guide provided a really good commentary on all the wild bird species on the way. When we arrived at the farm we were treated to short walks to hides where we could see seals and penguins. Probably the highlight was walking on the beach to observe adult and juvenile sea lions up close.
And finally the rarest penguin in the world, the yellow eyed penguin, undergoing it's annual moult.
Really great time with such a knowledgeable guide, thanks Ferg.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hi Brian
Thank you for sharing your review. It is great to hear that the small group experience was just what you were looking for and that you enjoyed Ferg’s commentary on the drive from Dunedin. His knowledge of the birdlife and the peninsula always adds so much to the tour.
I am thrilled to hear you experienced some truly special wildlife moments during your tour.
Thank you again for joining us.
Rachel and The Clearwater Wildlife Team
Jeff_P, Feb 2026
Kelly was sweet and knowledgeable. The drive was informative and the coastal views were beautiful. So lucky to see so many varieties of local species of animals.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hi Jeff
Thank you for sharing your review. It is lovely to hear that you enjoyed your time with Kelly. She is a wonderful guide, and we are glad her knowledge and commentary made the drive and the experience so enjoyable.
The coastal views are always a highlight, and it sounds like you were treated to a fantastic range of local wildlife as well.
Thank you again for joining us.
Rachel and The Clearwater Wildlife Team
Runzhi_M, Feb 2026
It was a really nice experience. The tour covered two most important activities in Otago peninsula, animals and ocean view.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hi Runzhi
Thank you for your review. We are so glad to hear you had a really nice experience and enjoyed both the wildlife and the beautiful ocean views that make our little part of the world so special.
Thank you again for joining us.
Rachel and The Clearwater Wildlife Team
Martin_K, Feb 2026
A great tour with an excellent guide (Quinn) who provided lots of interesting information about Dunedin and local wildlife. Saw loads of seals and seabirds (too many to name!). Highlight was great views of sea lions on the beach and penguins. Would highly recommend the tour.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hi Martin
Thank you for your review. We’re delighted to hear you had such a great tour and that Quinn helped bring the region and its wildlife to life with his knowledge and commentary.
It sounds like you enjoyed a fantastic range of sightings, with plenty of seals and seabirds, and those special moments watching sea lions on the beach and penguins are always a highlight.
Thank you again for joining us, and we really appreciate your recommendation.
Rachel and The Clearwater Wildlife Team
Harley_K, Feb 2026
Great tour.Paula was a great guide, very knowledgeable about all the wildlife. Bring good shoes for some hiking and sand. Locally owned and operated
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hi Harley
Thank you for your review. We’re so glad to hear you had a great tour and that Paula helped make the experience so enjoyable with her knowledge of the local wildlife.
Good shoes are definitely a must for the sandy tracks, and we really appreciate you highlighting that we are a locally owned and operated family business.
Thank you again for joining us.
Rachel and The Clearwater Wildlife Team
Ruo_F, Feb 2026
. Even though the weather wasn’t great on the day, the tour still exceeded expectations.
On the drive out, we saw a wide variety of birdlife, with the guide taking time to point things out and explain what we were seeing. We then visited a working farm, where there is a viewing platform overlooking a seal area, which was a great opportunity to observe them without disturbance.
The highlight came later at a remote beach that’s home to a large number of sea lions. This is also an area where you might see yellow-eyed penguins — and we were very lucky to watch four come in from the sea and make their way all the way up the hillside. Seeing that entire journey was incredibly special.
The small group size makes a real difference, and the whole tour feels calm, respectful of the wildlife and very well managed. Highly recommended, even if the weather isn’t on your side.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Hello Ruo and thank you for your kind review. It was a pleasure hosting you and Lingying and we're delighted to know you both enjoyed your experience - even though the weather was not the best! We love that you felt the calm, respect, and awe that our small-group experiences provide. That's what we love our guests to feel, and it's what we hope you will long remember! Travel well. - Kim and the Clearwater Wildlife team.
Darren_C, Feb 2026
Excellent tour, Paula our guide was fantastic. Travel all around Otago Peninsula to a private farm location.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Hi Darren, it was great to have you on tour with us! Thanks so much for the lovely review. Wishing you enjoyable and memorable travels around New Zealand. - Kim and the Clearwater Wildlife team.
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