Private tour in Dunedin Mateo W
5.0
(6) reviews
5 hours
1
5 hours
1
Mateo W.
5.0
Guide rating
17
Reviews
Tours delivered
8 hrs
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Kiaora, I'm Mateo - tour operator, guide and bird whisperer based in Dunedin, New Zealand. I am fortunate to have grown up in Dunedin and have been offered the opportunity to work in and experience many of the best attractions to this area. I'm passionate about Dunedin - our history and particularly our amazing native flora and fauna. I have worked with the world's most endangered penguin - the Yellow-eyed Penguin and still guide my own tours at a local conservation reserve. I also have a love of New Zealand forest birds and wildlife, guiding my tours at another local reserve - a real treat for those animal lovers! My family were among the first settlers to arrive to the Otago Peninsula - sharing their stories with you is a pleasure. As a keen traveller myself, I appreciate the delight of small-group touring. Our modern vehicles ensure your comfort while we explore Dunedin and the South Island. I have a keen focus towards conservation and eco-tourism, so don't be surprised to see me picking up a piece of litter or ensuring people are viewing and photographing our beautiful wildlife considerately while out on tour! I LIVE here, I LOVE it here, and I want to share the most beautiful place on earth with you! So why don't you join me? I would love for you to imagine, wander, gaze and discover NZ with me! Best, Mateo Owner/Tour Guide Qualmark endorsed operator Department of Conservation approved operator Current First aid certification Passenger endorsed operator I do not have any restrictions in regard to my guiding, I can offer a full range of experiences
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Mateo W.
Description: Departing from the city we promptly head for the beautiful Otago Peninsula. Taking in views along the high road, learn about Dunedin's pioneers and early European settlers who arrived in the 1840's. Winding our way down to the bays and inlets of the Otago Peninsula we will be keeping a close eye out for any wildlife spotted along the way. If the wind is strong enough we will head to Taiaroa Head where we have the chance to spot Royal Albatross. With a 3. 2m wingspan these birds are impressive to view in-flight! Finally, viewing Yellow-eyed Penguins - the world's most endangered penguin living right here in beautiful Aotearoa, NZ. We visit a private conservation reserve to learn about the struggles the penguins face, what is being done to help them and we have the chance to see these wonderful creatures in their natural habitat during breeding season (please message us first for up-to-date information about viewing expectations as the penguins are having a very difficult time currently).
Loved the tour with Mateo! We had very windy conditions but Mateo made sure we got to see fantastic wildlife and beautiful locations. He took amazing photos for us. We enjoyed his personal knowledge of the area and its history. We highly recommend Mateo!
An incredible day with an awesome guide. His depth of knowledge of wildlife, wild New Zealand lands and his ability to find native New Zealand birds, seals, sea lions and penguins was second to none. He checked every box on our wishlist. Our only regret was we didn’t have another day with him! Mateo is an amazing naturalist and guide.
My family now calls Mateo "the penguin whisperer." He knows everything about New Zealand's penguins and has a great eye for finding wildlife like penguins, fur seals, New Zealand sea lions, albatross, and other birds. He also carries an excellent camera and will send photos to your Tours by Locals account a few days after the tour!! What an expert!
We could not have had a better tour viewing the beautiful area and getting a close up view of the endangered Yellow-eyed Penguins. Mateo was full of knowledge of the people who settled in this area. He was also the perfect guide to take us through the penguin reserve. We not only got to see the giant Royal Albatross birds take flight, but he told us the precise time to view them when our ship was departing the port! I'd give Mateo a 10 star rating if it was available.
Absolutely fantastic day out on the Otago Peninsula with Mateo. It was all about the birds and the spectacular scenery for our small group, and this tour was a perfect choice. Mateo guided us to spots where we were able to see penguins and many other birds, along with gorgeous views. His deep knowledge of history, wildlife, conservation, and all things New Zealand really added to our enjoyment of the day. He was very responsive to our questions during the tour and ahead of time. Delighted with our day!
Matteo was a wonderful guide! He treated us to the rich Scottish history of Dunedin, took us to see the yellow-eyed penguin preserve, the royal albatross center, and drove us around the pennisula to see fabulous sites that only a native of Dunedin would know about. You won't go wrong hiring him for the day! Thanks, Matteo!
Depart Pick-up location Peninsula scenery (stop) Birdspotting (drive) Royal Albatross Visitors Centre (stop) Yellow-eyed Penguin Reserve (private tour) Scenic drive Arrive Drop-off location
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Modern 4x4 for 1-3 persons Minibus for groups 4+
Port Chalmers, Otago, New Zealand
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: Port Chalmers Cruise Ship Terminal or Hotel
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5 hours
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