Essential Information
Clearwater Wildlife Tours
Things to know
Please also see Departure Locations and Essential Information below
The wildlife is untrained and unpredictable, and we cannot guarantee that you will see every species, but we do guarantee we will do everything we can to give you the best animal viewing possible.
We travel the coast road and the back roads of the Otago Peninsula and on our farm tracks at Cape Saunders with a maximum of 10 guests per group. Our guides are experienced and are confident drivers, and our comfortable vehicles are all 4WD.
We supply high quality binoculars and spare wet weather jackets and there are toilet facilities at the farm.
Tours are 4 hours in duration, so guests are welcome to bring pre-packed food and drink as there are no opportunities to stop for food or refreshments during our tours.
Departure Times and Locations
Please check in 15 minutes prior to the tour departure time to confirm your arrival. Please allow plenty of time if parking near the Octagon in Central Dunedin. There are several long term parking options but these can be limited at peak times.
Wild One Tour
Wild Private Tours
Essential Information
- Level of fitness: This tour requires a reasonable level of fitness. There are some hills to walk up and down. There are also several sets of steps and stairs therefore the terrain visited is not suitable for persons with walking disabilities or wheelchairs. Small children might have difficulty keeping up on the trails - we recommend bringing a front back or carrier for small children. The terrain is not suitable for strollers or prams.
- Clothing: Our tours are an outdoor activity in a land where maritime weather prevails, the weather can change very quickly, regardless of the season. Please bring warm and waterproof clothing. We provide complementary wind and rain proof jackets for anyone feeling unprepared.
- Footwear: Walking shoes/boots with good tread are recommended and necessary if conditions are wet or muddy.
- Food: Tours are 4 hours in duration, so guests are welcome to bring pre-packed food and drink as there are no opportunities to stop for food during our tours.
- Children: Unfortunately our tour is not suitable for children under 5 years of age. For safety reasons children are not able to sit on an adult's lap in our vehicle. Adults must ensure that they are within arms reach of young children at all times. At times there needs to silence within our wildlife areas. Please refrain from booking if you are unsure that your child can follow our guides instructions.
- Medicines: Personal medicines etc. should be carried if required on all tours. Any medical condition which could potentially be a problem should be communicated to your guide at the start of a tour.
- Photography: There will be some amazing photo opportunities during our tours, but we do not allow close up flash photography of wildlife as this may startle or injure them. Please ensure that you are familiar with your camera options or ask one of our friendly team for advice.
Cruise Ship Information
Clearwater Wildlife Tours – Information for Cruise Ship passengers
Wild One Tour (4-hours) - This tour leaves from The Octagon in Central Dunedin. Please see below some helpful information for transport into the Octagon and back to Port Otago.
Wild Private Tour (5-hours) - Your guide will pick you up from inside the Cruise Ship Terminal. Please check in to the Dunedin I-Site information desk at the cruise terminal upon your arrival.
Cruise Ship to Cruise Ship Terminal
Once you disembark your ship it is only a 100 metre walk to the cruise ship terminal. Inside the terminal you will see the Dunedin Visitor Information Centre. The VIC team inside this building can assist you with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your transport into the Octagon.
Coaches & Shuttle Transport to The Octagon Central Dunedin
There are coaches & shuttles running every 10 - 20 minutes from the Cruise Ship Terminal to the Octagon and the same back again from our Octagon pick up point. The shuttle ride from Port Otago into the Octagon is approx. 25 minutes.
Ideally 1.5 hours either side of our tour will give you plenty of time to get into the Octagon and back to your ship on a shuttle or coach.
The coaches are provided by your cruise ship and the price varies from being complementary to approx. NZ $20.00 - $40.00 per person return.
Please see the below images showing the pick-up location in the Octagon and the Cruise Ship Terminal location at Port Otago.
We will refund your booking in full if your ship is unable to dock or there are any delays. Note: This only applies to online bookings only.
Please Note: There are toilets located close to our pickup point and food outlets if you require snacks or a packed lunch to eat in our vans as there are no food stops during our tour. We supply good quality binoculars and wind and rain proof jackets if required.
The Octagon has beautiful architecture and is walking distance to the beautiful Dunedin Railway Station so many passengers will spend time in this area prior to or after our tour. There is also great shopping if you are looking for some NZ gifts or something special to take back home.
The small village of Port Chalmers is only 100 metres walk from Port Otago and is also a neat place to visit.
Please call 03 477 8899 or text 0274 990 935 if you experience any delays on the day.
We look forward to seeing you!