We spent the better part of a day in Dunedin, on the southeastern coast of New Zealand. To reach Dunedin, which is at the head of a long, narrow harbor, we sailed along the Otago Peninsula, which turned out to be where we spent much of our time on-shore today. After a brief visit to the historic train station in downtown Dunedin, next to the harbor, we rode coaches all the way back to the seaward tip of the Otago Peninsula… where we had the opportunity to visit two wildlife sanctuaries.
The Royal Albatross Centre, which occupies the tip of the peninsula and overlooks the entrance to the harbor, was once armed with massive guns to defend the harbor in World War II. (But never needed, apparently.) After the land was cleared, a variety of seabirds discovered its steep, grassy slopes to be a perfect nesting ground. The wide-ranging Royal Albatross, in particular, enjoyed its windy exposure. Our visit included time in an enclosed observation deck, and a peek at the rehabilitation center where they track every albatross, egg, and chick – and nurture them, if needed – all in an effort to help this struggling species to regain its footing.
at the Royal Albatross Centre on the shore in Dunedin.
On the way back to town we stopped at the OPERA – the Otago Peninsula Eco Restoration Alliance – where an extensive set of rolling farm fields were being reforested in support of many species, including fur seals and sea birds. Again, their facility includes a sophisticated rehabilitation center for endangered penguin species – sometimes flown in from distant parts of the country, to recuperate from illness, injury, or malnutrition. For some of these species, the survival of every remaining individual is critical to the survival of the species. On our walk across the grounds, we passed the nests of Red-billed Seagulls, some still brooding their eggs and some with newly hatched chicks; a small village of man-made partly-buried penguin dens, one with a curious Little Blue Penguin peering out its front door; and sleepy-looking New Zealand Fur Seals, resting on the shore.
As we sailed back out of Otago Harbor, at the end of the day, we enjoyed watching at least a dozen Royal Albatross soaring above the windswept surf below the Taiaroa lighthouse at the tip of the peninsula. Beautiful!
Please enjoy the photo gallery.
David Kotz 
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