Taiaroa Head

Taiaroa Head is unique for the diversity of wildlife, which abounds on this small headland and is home to the royal albatross colony, the only mainland breeding colony of royal albatross in the world. Southern fur seals can be seen at Pilots Beach, or often young pups can be seen from the cliff tops on the eastern side of the Headland, playing in rock pools or sleeping in the sun. The rare yellow-eyed penguin can be observed close by.

Taiaroa Head on the Otago Peninsula was the site of the important Pukekura pa in the 18th century. After the coming of the European settlers it evolved into a busy port with marine industries, shore defence and prison labour projects.

It's also the place to see the Armstrong Disappearing Gun, built to fend off a feared Russian invasion in 1880 and later used as a defence post in the two world wars.