The OPERA, Dunedin

CREATING EXPERIENCES UNLIKE ANY OTHER

The OPERA—Otago Peninsula Eco Restoration Alliance—is a private eco reserve focused on
conservation, rehabilitation, reforestation, and education. The operation was originally founded as
Penguin Place in 1985 making it one of the oldest ecotourism operation in New Zealand.
We invite you to join us for an experience unlike any other in New Zealand on one of our guided
tours. Penguins, fur seals, sea lions, shore and land birds, native fauna, and more await you within
our private reserve. Best of all, by taking a tour you are joining our work, as tour operations directly
fund our work at The OPERA.
Tour Information
 Penguin Tour
Our penguin tour offers the most exclusive opportunity in New Zealand to view the world’s rarest
penguin, the hoiho (yellow-eyed penguin), in their natural habitat.
This 90-minute guided tour consists of three parts. Our guests begin their experience in a theatre
setting, where they learn about the hoiho and our conservation efforts to protect them. Guests then
move into our rehabilitation centre where hoiho and other penguin species can be seen up close
(when penguins are in our care). Finally, guests take a short bus trip into our reserve where they are
guided on an approximately 2km (1.25 mile) nature walk with the potential to see numerous New
Zealand native plants and animals, including hoiho (yellow-eyed penguins) and kororā (little
penguins), fur seals, sea lions, and several species of shore and forest birds, all of which reside in the
reserve.
Please note, it is important that guests feel physically capable of a 2k (1.25 mile) walk over uneven
terrain and more than 100 steps, which may be experienced within our reserve. If individuals are
claustrophobic, please note that portions of the tour may pass through a trench system (which is
narrow at times) and opens into dug out viewing hides which allow for observing wildlife at eye
level.

New offerings
 Native Bush Tour
90-minute guided tour. Learn about the historical forests of the Otago Peninsula and our
work to reforest hundreds of hectares of land that was previously cleared for farming. Be
guided on an approximately 2km (1.25 miles) walk through mature and newly forested areas
learning about the flora and fauna along the way. Finish out through our wetlands and end
along the ocean shore. Opportunity for observing a wide variety of flora as well as land and
shore birds, sea lions, fur seals, and little penguins along the way.
 Tripple Crown Tour
Why do one tour on the Otago Peninsula when you can do three at a 20% discount off each.
The OPERA has partnered with Monarch Wildlife Cruises and The Royal Albatross Centre to
bring together a package that includes our 90-minute Penguin Tour, a 1-hour wildlife cruise
through the bay and out around the headland, and a 1-hour guided tour of the only
mainland albatross colony in the world.
 Private tour

Our private guided tours are tailored to meet the preferences and needs of our guests. A
designated member of our tour and operations team will work with guests to design the
tour that aligns with your specific objectives and interests. Wildlife photography, botanical
experience of touching and tasting, sunset tea and stargazing, there are numerous possible
experiences within these crafted tour experiences. Private tours start at 90-minues, but can
be expanded based on tailored objectives.

The OPERA, Dunedin Contact Details