Birds, Beaches and Peace on Otago Peninsula by Kakapo2
Although Otago Peninsula has a world reputation for the only mainland albatross colony at Taiaroa Head it is a remote place waiting to be discovered because most tourists just do not have the time to visit all the nice places in this country, and those who come to Dunedin and visit more than just the Cadbury Factory cannot do a lot more than visit the Royal Albatross Colony at the very end of the Peninsula, or Larnach Castle, New Zealand's only castle, or go on a guided tour (Elm Wildlife Tours, Penguin Place) or a boat trip (Monarch Cruises and Tours) where they can also see penguins, shags and seals. All the other magic spots are there to be discovered by people with more time. I have been there many times, and every time for several days, but I never tire of this magic peninsula where you can watch sea and shorebirds in abundance, enjoy lonesome white beaches and go tramping on various tracks (maps at the Visitor Centre in Dunedin). The loneliness - apart from the main road from Dunedin to Taiaroa Head via Portobello - is impressive. The drive on the summit road (Highcliff Road) offers spectacular views. No exit dirt roads lead down to the beaches or at least to parking areas from where you can walk to the beaches. If you are lucky you will spot penguins and seals, especially at Alan's Beach and Sandfly Bay (penguin hide) which you reach on a walk over fabulous white sand dunes - the way back is steep uphill in the sand...
Birdwatching is fantastic from around the two inlets (Hoopers and Papanui), you see them all, from kingfisher to masked lapwing, from oystercatcher to black swan.
And then there is still more to discover in even more remote spots like Cape Saunders.
More about penguin places, the albatross colony and other birds on my "What to do" tips.
