 Taiaroa Head | ||
| Otago Peninsula | ||
| region | Otago | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents | unknown | |
no value for residents on Wikidata:  | ||
| no tourist info on Wikidata: | ||
| location | ||
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The Otago Peninsula is a peninsula between the Otago Harbor and the Pacific. She belongs to the city Dunedin.
background
The Otago peninsula belongs to the urban area of Dunedin, it is about 30 km long, its northernmost point is the cape Taiaroa Head, it is at the entrance to Otago Harbor.
history
The first Europeans on this coast were probably James Cook and his men. They were soon followed by whalers and seal hunters, and they set up a station near the small Maori settlement Otago and gave names to an entire region. Today the village is called Otakou, albatrosses and other waterfowl nest near it.
landscape
The area around Otago Harbor is of volcanic origin, and so the peninsula cannot deny that either. A rugged coastline with numerous bays, as Inlets marked, steep cliffs and up to 400 m high hills testify to it.
Flora and fauna
Noteworthy are the giant albatrosses that nest near Taiaroa Head. Boobies, seagulls and other water birds also have their breeding grounds here and can be easily observed from the water. The greatest interest is in the extremely shy yellow-eyed penguins, a colony of these rare birds lives in a protected area on Penguin Beach.
getting there
The peninsula can be reached by land from Dunedin on two roads, the Portobello Road along the coast and the Highcliff Road internally. The roads are narrow but well-developed, and the inland stretch is quite winding. When traveling by car you should make sure that the tank is full, there is no public petrol station on the entire peninsula. There is public transport to the village of Portobello, if you want to continue towards Taiaroa Head, it is best to join one of the many Wildlife Tours at.
Tourist Attractions
Animals
The peninsula is fully under the sign of eco-tourism, which basically reads: Take nothing with you except photographs, leave nothing behind except the footprints. It should also be noted that some of the animals living here are extremely shy.
Albatross colony
The king albatross breeding at Taiaroa Head has a wingspan of over 3 meters, and you can see its habits by visiting the Royal Albatross Center to get to know. The viewing options depend on the breed of the animals, prior information and registration is required. You can also learn something about the New Zealand Homeland Security: around 1900 there was a fear of a Russian invasion, the casemates below the lighthouse built to protect Dunedin are now a popular destination.
Yellow-eyed penguins
A colony of yellow-eyed penguins has settled in a bay south of Taiaroa Head. The area is currently being carefully reforested, as the animals prefer shady places to raise them. In the meantime, shelters have been built for them, which the animals also accept. When visiting, you can approach the penguins in trenches up to a few meters, you should be as calm as possible and stay inside the trenches. A visit without prior instruction and guidance is not possible, this takes place at the beginning at the center Te Rauane Beach.
Other animals
- Little penguins, also blue penguins: the smallest species of this genus is seen relatively often
- Sea lions and Fur seals are not particularly uncommon, sometimes they are in the middle of the protected area of the yellow-eyed penguins, often they are on the cliffs at Taiaroa Head or at the breakwater on the other side of Otago Harbor Aramoana.
- Cormorants and Boobies have their nesting sites directly on the cliffs of Taiaroa Head and are best observed from the water.
- Dolphins are not uncommon in this bay. Mostly they are Hector dolphins, often also bottlenose dolphins and common dolphins, more rarely black dolphins. Occasionally orcas should also be seen here.
Buildings
Larnach Castle
- Larnach Castle. Larnach Castle is said to be New Zealand's only castle, in fact it is a mid-19th century mansion. It is named after its builder, and it is undoubtedly a very fine testimony from that time.
Glenfalloch Woodland Gardens
Located in a valley in Russell Bay of Otago Harbor Glenfalloch Woodland Gardens, created around 130 years ago. Rhododendrons, azaleas and fuchsias, plus a thousand year old Matai tree made Glenfalloch one Garden of National Significance. The one nearby Glenfalloch restaurants creates a stylish environment for parties and celebrations.
Fletcher House
- Fletcher House, at Portobello. A villa in the style of the beginning of the 20th century. The fully furnished house can be viewed on guided tours.
activities
Wildlife viewing
- Boat tours. On the monarch in the area of Otago Harbor.
- Penguinplace. Tel.: 64 (0)3 478 0286. The colony of yellow-eyed penguins. The site belongs to McGrouther's Farm. All Colony tours depart from the center on Harrington Point Road and reservations are required. Overnight accommodation at the Penguin Place Lodge.
- Back to Nature Tours. Offers tours to Taiaroa Head and Albatross Colony, Yellow-eyed Penguin and Fur Seal Colonies.
- Dunedin Wildlife Tours. Has a similar offer.
water sports
- The beaches on the south side of the peninsula are popular with surfers.
shop
kitchen
accommodation
- McFarmersCottage, Backpackers, Portobello.
- Portobello Motel. Tel.: 64 (0)3-478-0155.
- Otago Peninsula Motel, Portobello.
- Harington Point Motels. Close to the penguin and albatross colony.
- Nature guides Otago. Combination of accommodation and eco tours, some in German.
camping
Practical advice
- There are no ATMs or petrol stations anywhere in the peninsula, so bear this in mind when driving into Dunedin.
- Camping is only allowed in Portobello Village Tourist Park.
- Keep away from sea lions and seals. Under no circumstances cut off the animals' way to the water.
- If possible, observe penguins from hiding or from a greater distance. No flash when taking photos.
