Fantail Tours in Dunedin

11/04/2025

A very long white cloud this morning

09/04/2025

Today marks the official end of our season, with the Celebrity Edge making its final visit – and what an incredible season it has been! A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this season so special: to our visitors for joining us on our tours and sharing your experiences through reviews (we’ve just hit 200 reviews!), to our amazing guides for being outstanding ambassadors for Dunedin, and to all the other local tour operators for your smiles, friendly chats, and constant support throughout the season.

A special shout-out to our fantastic suppliers and partners – we are deeply grateful for your support and collaboration in helping us create unforgettable experiences for our guests.

Now, it’s time for a well-earned break! We will be closed for tours from May 1st to July 10th as we take some time to recharge, just like the Northern Royal Albatrosses. After a season of hard work, we too are ready for some rest and rejuvenation.

Thank you once again, and we can’t wait to welcome you back soon!

30/03/2025

We were pleasantly surprised to see bottlenose dolphins jumping in the waves during our tour at the OPERA. This video, captured by the tour guide Frankie, was such a remarkable moment that we couldn’t resist sharing it with you.

23/03/2025

Yesterday's weather brought clouds and rain, limiting visibility. To make up for it, we're sharing a stunning panoramic view of Dunedin City from Signal Hill, captured this sunny morning, for those who missed out on yesterday's sights.

22/03/2025

It's so coulourful at Olveston despite autumn

22/03/2025

Dunedin is about to get busy today with Quantum of the Seas at Port Chalmers

15/03/2025

It sounds like a beautiful day ahead! A warm welcome to all passengers aboard the Celebrity Edge. With such great weather, it's the perfect time to enjoy the journey. Let’s make it a memorable day for everyone!

14/03/2025

The latest addition to Dunedin's art trail is a stunning mural on Cameron Street, created by artist Koryu Aoshima. We look forward to checking it out!

A South Dunedin mural that paid homage to the Asian community that helped build it has been extended to reflect the suburb’s Scottish and Māori...

05/02/2025

Great way to spend tomorrow by visiting Albatross centre!

Tomorrow is Waitangi Day, 6 February, and marks 185 years since the initial signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi ✨

For tomorrow, we will be offering free tickets for children on our guided Albatross Classic and Unique Taiaroa tours (new in-person bookings only), so bring your family along!

Te Tiriti was meant to be a partnership, an agreement between Māori and the British Crown to create unity between the two groups, but different translations and interpretations of the treaty has caused conflict.

Te Tiriti was signed just by Takiharuru Pilots Beach on 13 June 1840, just below where the Royal Albatross Centre is located today. This headland has incredible historical significance 💙

We hope to see you all here to help us celebrate.

04/02/2025

During our visit to the OPERA, we watched juvenile yellow-eyed penguins act just like playful kids! There were plenty of cabbage tree leaves scattered around, but as soon as one chick grabbed a leaf, the others couldn’t resist rushing over to join in—like a bunch of kids fighting over the same toy!

05/01/2025

Did you know that Little Blue Penguins are fast runners? We were reminded of this yesterday while watching the penguins return to Pilot's Beach. We saw some chicks eagerly leaving their nests, unable to wait any longer for their parents to bring food.

05/01/2025

We had a truly enjoyable visit to the Opera. The views were absolutely stunning, with New Zealand fur seals rolling and swimming everywhere. We also spotted little blue penguins nestled in their homes, while yellow-eyed penguins returned to their nests to swap places with their partners. At the rehabilitation center, we saw some juvenile penguins and chicks receiving extra care before they’re ready to head back into the wild. We feel so lucky to have experienced all of that—it was truly unforgettable! Thanks to our guide at the OPERA, Siobhan, for not rushing back and letting us enjoy the penguin return.

05/01/2025

Yellow Eyed Penguins returning from the beach at the OPERA.

05/01/2025

It's been a penguin night. We saw three yellow eyed penguins returning from the ocean

31/12/2024

Today, we visited the OPERA Otago Peninsula Eco Restoration Alliance and had the opportunity to see several yellow-eyed penguins at their rehabilitation center. These penguins are recovering and will soon be ready for release back into the wild. Some of the penguins did not yet have the characteristic yellow stripe around their heads, as they are still juveniles. The yellow coloration will develop as they molt and grow their adult feathers.

29/12/2024

A few days ago, while walking along the beach, we spotted several blue bottle jellyfish (*Physalia physalis*) washed up on the shore. These creatures, also known as Portuguese man o' war, are often mistaken for jellyfish but are actually colonial organisms made up of several smaller polyps. Despite their striking blue color and intriguing appearance, they can be dangerous. Their tentacles, which can extend up to 10 meters, contain venomous stinging cells that can cause painful rashes, welts, or even more severe reactions like nausea or difficulty breathing. Even if the jellyfish appears to be dead, the venom can still be active, so it's crucial to avoid touching them. If you come across one, keep a safe distance, and if stung, rinse the area with seawater (not fresh water) and seek medical attention if necessary. Always be cautious when encountering marine life on the shore, as some can pose hidden dangers.

25/12/2024

We wish everyone Merry Christmas!

19/12/2024

While enjoying a scenic drive along the inlets of Otago Peninsula, we spotted a couple of female sea lions resting at the water's edge, just by the road. Though they blend in on sandy beaches, they stood out against the vibrant green grass.