Extending from the city to the northeast, Otago Peninsula is a star-studded visitor magnet. It's no surprise that William Larnach chose to build his dream estate here.
The peninsula bursts with natural wonders. The prize draw is the Royal Albatross Centre with its brilliantly designed observatory. What will stun you is
the sheer size of these graceful creatures, boasting a 3m wingspan. The observatory will enable you to appreciate the birds up close, whether they are roosting, soaring above the peninsula on a ride with the coastal breeze, or returning to feed their chicks.
There are a variety of tour packages to choose from. Marine life is prolific on the peninsula and another top-draw is the chance to catch a glimpse of the yellow-eyed penguin, or hoiho. Expansive colonies of fur seals and Hooker's sea lion add to the wildlife parade.
One other peninsula attraction that is frequently overlooked, but shouldn't be, is the botanical retreat of Glenfalloch. Gaelic for "hidden valley", and enjoying a season-extending microclimate, Glenfalloch is lauded as a historic garden of national significance. Encompassing 12ha of woodland garden, criss-crossed with walking tracks, the property is a beacon of inspiration for plant-lovers and landscape designers.
