Albatross Centre New Zealand
No Albatross in Showcasing Wildlife Ecotourism

Dunedin is host to the only Albatross mainland breeding colony on earth. Taiaroa Royal Albatross Colony’s the only place in the world where people can get up close and personal with what’s been described in Handbook of Birds of the World Volume One as “the most legendary of all birds” in their natural mainland habitat.

Immortalized in Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, “an albatross around one’s neck” is a metaphor for someone with a burden or obstacle. But be certain, Albatross Centre New Zealand is no albatross around anyone’s neck. Rather, it’s one-of-a-kind ecotourism showcased in a spectacular harbor setting with unique natural features.

The greatest of all seabirds and legendary symbol of good omen, the albatross brings only good fortune to tourists visiting Albatross Centre New Zealand. Extensive displays show bird history, breeding, and behavior, plus live TV coverage of bird activity. Entrance fee is by donation. Educational tour and observatory viewing admission is pricey but well worth it.

If the albatross brings exceptionally good luck on your Albatross Centre New Zealand visit, you may get to observe soaring slim wings spanning 9.5 feet at swooping speeds of over 115 kph. Their exceptional majestic flight oddly contrasts to distinct clumsiness on ground.

Guided tours of Taiaroa Head showcase unique bird and marine life in a heritage settlement stemming from Maori fortification days. Besides albatross, ten other bird species breed in this protected nature reserve. The southern ocean”s cold currents rise above the continental shelf, providing a consistently rich food supply for abundant wildlife drawn to the area.

The albatross observatory allows visitors excellent views of year-round activity: rare shag nests with chicks hatched by doting parents; southern fur seals at Pilot beach, playing in rock pools or sleeping in the sun; and rare yellow-eyed penguins and other sea birds.

Massive chimney roosts and rare cormorants can be seen via boat through Monarch Wildlife Cruises. Nature at its most intimate is found at Nature’s Wonders remote wildlife sanctuary tours on amphibious vehicles. Nearby Yellow-Eyed Penguin Conservation Reserve features camouflaged trench system viewing.

This special brand of wildlife ecotourism adventure is well worth the price of a rental car in New Zealand from Christchurch or Queenstown. You’ve done the computer research; now make Albatross Centre New Zealand a South Island Kiwi travel designated stop on your New Zealand vacation.