The OPERA (Otago Peninsula Eco Restoration Alliance) is a private eco-reserve dedicated to conservation, rehabilitation, restoration, and education. We invite you to learn more about our endeavors through this site and consider joining in our efforts. You can contribute by taking one of our tours, clicking on the donate tab to give directly, or by contacting us about volunteer opportunities.

Tours

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Rehabilitation

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Restoration

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Meet the Residents

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Amazing place, with a very knowledgeable and enthusiastic team that cares about the environment, and the wildlife. If you have the opportunity to go, take it, and experience something special that is no-where else in the world.

Google reviews, Tony K, July 2023

Hi Team, I just wanted to pass on another massive thank you for the beautiful aroha shown us yesterday. The tour was great, informative, and full of passion for what you do. It was awesome to hear the future focus for…by the new owners and to meet the crew. We look forward to having you come visit up in future.

Info@penguinplace.co.nz, Alisha Sherriff, Aviary Curator at Dunedin Botanical Gardens – July 2023

Kia ora koutou, I’d like to thank [the team] and guides for hosting the three field trips for our Conservation Biology course – evaluations show that this field trip is a very popular element of the course… we witnessed some fantastic behaviours from a group of four penguins, including an ecstatic display. I haven’t been lucky enough to see one of those for many years, so was feeling pretty ecstatic myself! Once again, thanks for your flexibility and for the excellent information provided by your guides.

Info@penguinplace.co.nz, Prof. Yolanda van Heezik, Department of Zoology, University of Otago. - July 2023.

Our guide Paula was very informative and friendly. We were so fortunate to see not only seals but four penguins come ashore and close up make their way to their homes. A special treat for my wife Kathy on her birthday. Highly recommend this experience. Thank you

Trip Advisor, Chris M, June 2023.

Hey team…Came along on a tour the other day and were lucky enough to see Matai return home.
Many thanks again for making this happen - you guys are legends!

Info@penguinplace.co.nz, Max Harvey, June 2023

I had a wonderful experience…They do a great job protecting the penguins and explain a lot about their work. On the tour I was able to see one of the rare penguins coming up the beach. It was awesome to see these little guys! Can highly recommend.

Google reviews, Jessica L, June 2023

We had a great tour. Their guides are so informative about the bird life and everything to do with nature. They do an amazing job.

Google review, Carol, June 2023

Was an awesome experience seeing the penguins in the wild and in the rehab centre. The staff are doing an excellent job at conserving these penguins while educating people about them and the dangers they face.

Google reviews, Ronny Rowe, June 2023

The work they do to rehabilitate the endangered Yellow Eyed penguin and their success rate is amazing. The tour is well worth the money. Adrian was a great guide and botanist so the walk not only included beautiful scenery but also understanding the importance of vegetation and forests for the survival of the penguins. Also, wonderful opportunity to see the Yellow Eyed up close as they go through recovery. AND the drive along the bay…is fantastic.

Google reviews, Dan Moreland, May 2023