New Zealand, Dunedin wildlife

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Roger N. Clark (change username to rnclark) - 12 Feb 2005 22:40 GMT

Hi,
I am looking for advice on wildlife photography in the Dunedin
area for the March-April time frame. Doing web research I see
there are Yellow-Eyed Penguins in a private preserve, and
albatross at The Royal Albatross Colony at Taiaroa Head,
not far from the penguins.

Has anyone photographed these birds at these locations
and that time of year? If so, how are the photo
opportunities? I will have a Canon 1D Mark II (8 mpixel)
300 f/4 L IS lens with 1.4 and 2x TCs (the 1D Mark II
autofocuses at f/8). (My 500mm is too big for this
trip.)

Any advice on photographing at these places or nearby
must see things (wildlife or landscape) would be
appreciated. I am planning on one night in the
Dunedin area, as a stopover to other places
(but I am open to stay if opportunities are great).

I have visited the local web sites:

http://www.albatross.org.nz

http://www.penguin-place.co.nz

but the photos and information there are not of much
help. Like what are distances to the albatross?
(Penguins looks like you need short focus lenses, is that
really common?)

Then, what are closest nice hotels? If photo ops
are best at sunset and sunrise, then closer seems better to
me, otherwise I would stay in Dunedin.
So, if I just pass through, I would have one afternoon/evening
and the following morning for photography.

Roger
Photos at: http://www.clarkvision.com

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David Lloyd - 13 Feb 2005 00:54 GMT

>Hi,
>I am looking for advice on wildlife photography in the Dunedin
>area for the March-April time frame. Doing web research I see
>there are Yellow-Eyed Penguins in a private preserve, and
>albatross at The Royal Albatross Colony at Taiaroa Head,
>not far from the penguins.

Public access is restricted to the albatross colony. I think you would
have to get permission from the NZ Department of Conservation in order
to get close enough to the birds to ensure good shots. Likewise with
the penguins, if they're in a private preserve you'll need the owners'
permission.

Reply to this Message

Roger N. Clark (change username to rnclark) - 13 Feb 2005 03:29 GMT

>>Hi,
>>I am looking for advice on wildlife photography in the Dunedin
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
> the penguins, if they're in a private preserve you'll need the owners'
> permission.

Yes, both places have tours, and viewing blinds.
The penguin place shows pictures of people about 3 feet from
penguins, but it doesn't look very photogenic.
The albatross colony you must sign up for a tour to get close,
but how close is that?

On the New Zealand map I see there are penguins at
Cape Wanbrow (near Oamaru) and at Shag Point.
How are opportunities there?

Roger

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David Lloyd - 13 Feb 2005 04:22 GMT

>>>Hi,
>>>I am looking for advice on wildlife photography in the Dunedin
[quoted text clipped - 14 lines]
>The albatross colony you must sign up for a tour to get close,
>but how close is that?

The albatross colony is a breeding colony, how close you are allowed
to get to the birds will depend on whether they have young or not. The
birds are a protected species so even on a tour you probably won't get
too close.

>On the New Zealand map I see there are penguins at
>Cape Wanbrow (near Oamaru) and at Shag Point.
>How are opportunities there?

You'll find penguins at a number of spots around NZ. The Oamaru site
is OK as long as you are patient. The penguins go to sea to feed daily
and return around the same time each evening, around 7pm if memory
serves. The Oamaru Visitor's Centre will be able to give you more
detailed information. Don't try to handle or pick up a penguin because
they don't take it kindly. They only little fellas but they've a mean
bite! :) Good luck.

David

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