Animal Encounter Dunedin

EXPERIENCE
Join wildlife experts Edin & Tony Whitehead for this 7 day wildlife tour exploring the Otago Peninsula and the Catlins Coast.
The first 4-days of the tour will be based on the Otago Peninsula and takes in our Wildlife Masterclass Workshop, designed to perfect the techniques of photographing wildlife; with dedicated tuition sessions and notes on these subjects to get you camera ready for the next part of the tour.
The tour then heads to the Catlins Coast, known for its rich and diverse wildlife and ecosystems. This area's unique combination of rainforests, coastline, and wetlands provides a habitat for a variety of New Zealand’s rarest wildlife animal species.
Here, we'll have the opportunity to witness an incredible array of wildlife, including sea lions, fur seals, yellow-eyed penguins, and an array of sea and shore birds.
This wildlife tour offers you an unforgettable opportunity to connect with nature, observe rare and beautiful wildlife in their habitats, and capture lasting memories in the remarkable landscapes of the Catlins. Join us for an adventure you'll cherish for a lifetime.

ITINERARY Day 1 - Otago Peninsula
Meeting at Dunedin airport to be picked up from the early-morning flights, we drive out to our accommodation for the next three nights, Larnach Castle. We will run through our introductory programme for the finer points of capturing amazing wildlife images and advanced settings for wildlife photography. The afternoon will see us heading out for our first wildlife shoot, to photograph the magnificent New Zealand sea lion, which breeds along the rugged coastline of the Peninsula area. Day2 - Otago Peninsula
Today we head further afield to photograph the forest birds at Orokonui, which is also home to New Zealand’s tuatara, a relic from the dinosaur age. Spending the whole morning in the reserve will offer us the chance to photograph a number of rare birds including South Island Kākā and the Takahē. This afternoon we head out to photograph Yellow-eyed penguins on a private beach as they return from a day out at sea, with luck we also likely find a few more sea lions to photograph on the same beach. Day 3 - Otago Peninsula
We start today with a presentation showcasing Tony & Edin's post-production and processing techniques. This will be followed by an opportunity to review and edit your wildlife images, with some one-on-one guidance on editing photographs for printing. This afternoon we will take a boat charter to photograph many species of birds from the sea, we will also visit the world’s only mainland breeding colony of Northern Royal Albatross. We end the day by returning to Larnach Castle for dinner (included) which will be the culinary highlight of the tour, eating a three-course meal in the castle’s grand dining room.
Day 4 - Otago Peninsula - Catlins
Today we will help you finish processing your best two images from the workshop and produce a finished 16x22" fine art prints of these to take home. We will have some time today to explore inside Larnach Castle if we have not already had the chance and maybe one final wildlife shoot, before returning to Dunedin then heading on with the rest of the tour in the Catlins. This evening we take the opportunity to capture the beauty of wildlife in its natural environment on the shores of Kaka Point. Our aim is to capture sea lions (pakake/whakahao), fur seals (kekeno), and various shorebirds through our lens.
Day 5 – Catlins
This morning we start at the breathtaking Nugget Point coastline, an area teeming with wildlife. Numerous seabird species, including royal spoonbills (kōtuku-ngutupapa) and, if we're fortunate, flocks of sooty shearwater (tītī). Occasionally, we may also catch sight of New Zealand fur seals (kekeno) and various other marine mammal species. Following this, we continue our journey along the Catlins Coastline, where we hope to encounter shorebirds such as banded dotterels (tūturiwhatu), oystercatchers (tōrea), and sea lions.

Day 6 – Catlins
As the sun rises, we'll make our way to a secluded rocky beach, where we'll have the chance to capture the magic of Yellow-eyed Penguins as they leisurely make their way to the sea. Following this inspiring morning outing, you'll have the opportunity to engage in post-production work on your favourite wildlife images from the past few days.
Later in the day, we'll journey to a stunning estuary, immersing ourselves in an untouched podocarp forest thriving with birdlife, including bellbirds (korimako), kererū, and fantails (pīwakawaka). We'll explore the saltmarsh and estuary, where wading birds like royal spoonbills and bar-tailed godwits (kauka) find their seasonal haven near the estuary's mouth each year.
Day 7 – Catlins - Dunedin
On the last day of our tour, we'll delve deeper into the wonders of Nugget Point, embarking on one last photoshoot before commencing our journey back to Dunedin airport, where we'll link up with late afternoon flights.
Note: Depending on weather and tidal conditions we may alter the itinerary to make the most of the conditions and opportunities available.
PRICE INCLUDES
7-days of photography tuition by Edin Whitehead & Tony Whitehead
3 nights stables accommodation at Larnach Castle (single room included, lodge upgrade available)
3 nights accommodation at Kaka Point Motel (single room included)
6 breakfasts
Boat charter on the Otago Peninsula
2 Private Yellow-eyed Penguin trips
Entry to Orokonui Ecosanctuary
Entry to Larnach Castle
Three course dinner at Larnach Castle
Two 16x22" Fine-Art Prints from the Epson SureColor P906
Transport during the tour
DOC concession fees and marine mammals permit
Copy of our Pocket Guide to Landscape & Wildlife Photography and E-books
Donation to our Conservation Fund
Native tree planting to Carbon Offset your tour