Learn about the rarest penguin in the world, the hoiho (yellow-eyed penguin) and experience the best possibility to view one of these endangered birds.

Learn about the rarest penguin in the world, the hoiho (yellow-eyed penguin) and experience the best possibility to view one of these endangered birds.

Highlights

  • Experience The Magic of The Otago Peninsula At Night
  • See The Yellow Eyed Penguins Return To Their Nests
  • Spot Seals, Sea Lions and Sea Birds
  • Hear About The Environment From Expert Passionate Guides

Our Twilight at The OPERA tour provides a unique opportunity to experience our nature reserve at sunset. Like our penguin tours during the day, this tour offers the most exclusive opportunity in New Zealand to view the endangered, hoiho (yellow-eyed penguins), in their natural habitat.

We will begin with an overview of the work we are doing to help save the hoiho and care for all living species at The OPERA. Guests will then be guided through our reserve which is home to numerous native plant and wildlife species including the hoiho and kororā (little penguins), fur seals, sea lions, and several species of sea and forest birds. Finally, when penguins are in our care, guests will visit our Penguin Rehabilitation Centre (if birds are in our care), where they can see these rare birds up close.

Itinerary

  • Arrive at the center 15 minutes prior to departure
  • Learn about the yellow eyed penguins and the conservation efforts in the theatre area
  • View the rehabilitation area and see the penguins up close
  • Take a short ride coach ride to the nature reserve
  • Embark on a 2km nature walk through the reserve
Adult $65.00
Child $25.00 (5 - 14 years old)

What's included

  • 90 minute wildlife and nature tour

Duration

  • Allow approximately 90 minutes for the whole experience

Location

  • 45 Pakihau Road
  • Portobello
  • Dunedin 9077
  • New Zealand

Notes

  • It is important that guests feel physically capable of a 2km (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. Your guide will determine the best area to visit during the tour to maximize wildlife viewing opportunities. Please note that penguins are wild animals and sightings are never guaranteed on tour. Please check in 15 minutes prior to the tour departure time to confirm your arrival..


    This is a Sunset Tour with times changing depending on the time of year. Times are as follows, please check carefully.

    2nd - 8th September 4.45PM

    9th - 30th Sept 5:00PM

    1st - 27th October 6:45PM

    28th Oct - 10th November 7:00PM

    11th - 17th Nov 7:15PM

    18th Nov - 1st December 7:30PM

    2nd - 15th Dec 7:45PM

    16th Dec - 19th January 2025 8:00PM

    20th Jan - 2nd February 7:45PM

    3rd - 16th Feb 7:30PM

    17th - 23rd Feb 7:15PM

    24th Feb - 2nd March 7:00PM

    3rd - 9th March 6:45PM


Available Bookings from23 Jul to 5 Aug 2026

All prices are shown inNZD ($)

Change Dates
Thu 23 Jul
Fri 24 Jul
Sat 25 Jul
Sun 26 Jul
Mon 27 Jul
Tue 28 Jul
Wed 29 Jul
Thu 30 Jul
Fri 31 Jul
Sat 1 Aug
Sun 2 Aug
Mon 3 Aug
Tue 4 Aug
Wed 5 Aug

  • Adult$52.00
  • Child$15.00

  • Adult$39.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$15.00

  • Adult$39.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$15.00

  • Adult$39.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$15.00

  • Adult$39.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$15.00

  • Adult$52.00
  • Child$15.00

  • Adult$39.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$15.00

  • Adult$39.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$15.00

  • Adult$39.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$15.00
Twilight in July
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Authenticated Reviews

Real highlights, tips, and the helpful advice straight from Bookme customers who’ve actually done this experience.

5.0

5 reviews

Showing all 5 authenticated Bookme reviews

Ellie Murphy from United Kingdom wrote on 19 July 2026

Definitely worth it - amazing experience!

Amazing experience to see the OPERA reserve and learn about the wildlife they are supporting. Of course you can’t guarantee to see wildlife but our guide was excellent and so knowledgable. We were so lucky to see two yellow eyed penguins as well as fur seals and a petrel! The best part is that by joining the tour you are supporting the work taking place - I would recommend this to anyone.

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rebeccab41 from New Zealand wrote on 16 July 2026

Twilight in July

Great tour, the guide and driver were informative and entertaining. Great family outting

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Matt Herbert from Australia wrote on 30 June 2026

Great tour, exceptional tour guide

Great experience with our guide Emma. She was enthusiastic, patient and very kind with our very energetic 6yr old Son. She was extremely knowledgeable and made the entire tour an experience to remember. 100% would recommend

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lozi800 from United Kingdom wrote on 19 September 2024

Great experience

Highly recommend this tour especially through book me for a good discount. Super informative and plenty to see even if the yellow eyed penguins were shy. Thankyou Kate!

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chrisr34 from New Zealand wrote on 18 September 2024

Very enjoyable tour

Fantastic experience with penguins and seals sighted

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From Twilight Nature Tour

Kia Ora, Thank you for taking the time to leave a review for us! We are pleased to see you enjoyed your visit to the OPERA - Otago Peninsula Eco Restoration Alliance on our Twilight Tour. By taking a tour at The OPERA, you have become a part of our story. Tour proceeds are our primary source of funding the conservation, rehabilitation, restoration, and education work we are doing. Again, thank you very much for your visit and we hope to see you again! Ngā mihi, Chris Head of Tours & Front of House Operations The OPERA - Otago Peninsula Eco Restoration Alliance

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Booking

10:00 a.m.Thursday 13 July

12

Adult

Child 5 - 14 years old

*This option must be made together with another price type.
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