Natures Wonders — Attraction in Otago

Took a shore excursion from a cruise ship to Nature's Wonders to see fur seals and yellow eyed penguins and little blue penguins. Took a camcorder and decided to film the experience. Firstly, Took the bus because we were too slow to get on the ATV. They fill up fast. Next came the fur seals. Filmed some baby pups climbing around the rocks and kelp. Everytime I stopped to film them, I was hurried to move along. Little by little, I was hurried to the end of the path to see more seals. We got back on the bus and it traveled down to the bunkers where the penguins were. We were single filed and told to be quiet. As we approached one of the guides, he had a penguin in a small wooden enclosure. I was just a foot away from the little bird. I took my camcorder out and before I could turn it on, the guide put his hand in front of the lens and said no photos. I was shocked. I said why? He told me the penguins have never seen a lens before and didn't want them to get used to it. What? Ok, next penguins. Same thing. At the end, I saw about 5 penguins with no footage. I was disappointed to say the least. I traveled all the way there to New Zealand, and saw these rare birds and not have a single picture of them. I thought of the Sistine Chapel. But at least, they sold postcards in the gift shop. Not here. No postcards. No books. Overall, it was a nice visit but forget about bringing a camera or camcorder. No use of...

We have recently enjoyed a 3 week trip around the bottom of the South Island. While in Dunedin, we booked an Argo Wildlife Tour with Nature’s Wonders and this turned out to be one of the absolute highlights of our holiday. We consider it a great privilege to have met the owner of this land and eco-tourism venture, Perry Reid, and to have experienced a personal tour with him on his family property. Perry has amazing knowledge, passion and enthusiasm. It was inspiring to learn how this family have been committed to developing the land and wildlife conservation on their property. We were thrilled to get truly up-close viewing of blue penguins and fur seals and to experience that this wildlife had no fear of us. We learned that this is due, in part, to a policy of no touching, tagging or feeding of the wildlife. The scenery and views from the property are stunning. The ride on the Argo was a new experience for us and was good fun. We definitely plan return to Nature’s Wonders in the future. Thank you, Perry, for a fabulous visit. We will have no hesitation in recommending this...

The open sign does NOT mean you will be welcome. My partner and I went up to look at the venue as a potential wedding venue as advertised on their website. Upon arrival we were bluntly asked what we wanted and then informed immediately that the cafe is closed and the tour is $65 and leaves in 2 minutes. I responded that I was just checking out the place and walked to the balcony area as to not be in the way of the tourist bus and attempt to look at the view. We were then confronted by a man who asked us what we wanted and then went on a bit of a tirade about how it's private property and we can't go wherever we want. We found it a very unusual and unwelcoming atmosphere. If you don't want people to come to your venue then perhaps don't have an "open" sign out front. Not entirely sure if the people I encountered represent this place as a whole, but based on that interaction, I would recommend to stay clear...