Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula, Part III

So it’s a brush with nature you want, eh? Well, the Otago Peninsula is the place to get just that. There is wildlife at every turn and I felt like a little kid again — I was giddy, no joking, just ask Rion. Especially since quite a few of the animals here are found in very few other places on earth.

Sea birds have got to be some of my favorite animals. This is the Spotted Shag (cormorant) in winter plumage. This species is exclusively marine and is only found in New Zealand.


Another look at the New Zealand Fur Seal.


So, this has got to be one of the most beautiful and majestic birds I’ll ever get the chance to see on land. This is the Royal Albatross. The albatross is an animal that is rarely seen because they live at sea and only come ashore to breed. The Royal Albatross only breeds in New Zealand, but mostly on remote, offshore islands, except for a very small breeding colony at Taiaroa Head on the Otago Peninsula. Access to this area is severely restricted, but adults can be seen flying around the area.


This picture was taken by the staff at the Royal Albatross Centre. I had to show you just how large these birds really are. The Royal Albatross has the distinction of being one of the largest flying birds and has the largest wingspan of any bird at well over 3 meters or 9 feet!