Royal Albatross Centre

In 1967 the Otago Peninsula Trust, a charitable trust, was established for the purpose of protecting and enhancing peninsula flora and fauna. The first albatross observatory was built 1972 on the headland and a converted Otago Harbour Board cottage was used as the visitor centre. In 1983, the Richdale Albatross Observatory was opened for albatross viewing. By 1986, a new access tunnel was built across the top of the headland from outside the colony, to allow access into the underground tunnels and gun pit. Displays were set up in the underground magazine areas and the new facility opened to guided groups in 1987. In 1989, HRH Princess Anne officially opened the Royal Albatross Centre. Today, Pukekura / Taiaroa Head is a successful Wildlife Reserve, managed by the Department of Conservation and Te Poari a Pukekura Management Group. In addition to approximately 250 albatross, it is also home to over 20 other wildlife species, including some 4,000 red-billed gulls and colonies of Spotted Shag, the rare Otago Shag, Royal Spoonbills and hundreds of New Zealand Fur Seals.