The Royal Albatross Centre

The Royal Albatross Centre is owned and operated by a charitable trust. All surplus funds generated by the enterprise are returned to projects which protect and enhance the environment and wildlife of Dunedin’s Otago Peninsula.

The Northern Royal Albatross is just one of about 20+ species of bird and animal which makes its home on Otago Peninsula’s Taiaroa Head.

Taiaroa Head has served as a defensive position from the beginning of human occupation around 700 years ago. Maori established a permanent settlement at Otakou and a fortified village (Pa) was built on Taiaroa Head.

From early days of European settlement, an undergound tunnel system, fortifications and a Armstrong 6 inch disappearing gun, along side with other weapons, were built for the defense purpose against the Russian threat in 1885. the area was also active during WW1 & WW2.