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Tags : Beach
Time Required : 1 - 3 Hours
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Situated at the farthest end of the Otago Peninsula, looking over the Otago Harbour, Taiaroa Head is a stunning landscape for you to visit. It is located in Dunedin in New Zealand, an hour’s drive from Dunedin to the Taiaroa Head. The drive in itself promises to be a scenic one replete with the richness and beauty of the Otago Peninsula.
It is also a mainland colony of the Royal Albatross birds that flew into this area in 1938. The area has been developed into a wildlife conservatory exclusive to the Royal Albatross Centre. A small, secluded beach called the Pilots Beach houses rich marine life, which is what Taiaroa is famous for. The coast is inhabited by the little blue penguins, the world’s smallest breed of penguins and also a rare breed of yellow-eyed penguins.
Taiaroa Head is etymologically derived from an early local Maori chief of Ngai Tahu Iwi, Te Matenga Taiaroa. Pukekura, a significant Maori Pa was situated at the headland was occupied by the early tribal settlers, the Maori till the 1840s. The Head also has a historically significant lighthouse built back in the early 19th century.
Geographically the Otago Peninsula is a house to a varied range of fauna. It is especially rich in its marine life. With around 10000 sea birds, including exotic and rare breeds, the Taiaroa Head is a go-to spot for you to interact with the fauna at a very personal space but not to an extent where you are to cause hindrance to their natural habitation state.
Some of the species of animals spotted frequently near here are:
Royal albatross
Yellow-eyed penguins
Little blue penguins
Otago shags
Spotted shags
Royal spoonbills
Seagulls
Terns
Petrels
Shearwaters
Fur seals
Sea lions
Kekeno