The Otago Peninsula is a wonderful eco-destination. Experience the unique wildlife on the peninsula and participate in the many outdoor activities that are available right on your door step. From Hereweka luxury accommodation you are within easy reach of: Stunning Native and Exotic Flora in Hereweka Garden You can wander around Hereweka Garden at your leisure. View these pictures of the garden …Hereweka Garden…and imagine spending several hours at the retreat exploring Hereweka Garden. For garden enthusiasts there are several local gardens to explore. Amazing Wildlife & Bird Watching on Otago Peninsula: Penguins, Albatrosses and Much More Plentiful native bird life can be viewed from your accommodation or by taking a gentle five minute stroll to Hoopers Inlet where there is an abundance of indigenous and migrating wading birds. The rare yellow eyed penguins, (Hoiho), nest at various sites on the Otago Peninsula. There are several options available to see these birds. Five minutes drive away is the pristine Allans Beach where you can see seals and if you are lucky, a yellow eyed penguin (Hoiho) on its daily journey to and from the sea. There are many other wonderful beaches where you can observe these rare birds. Tours and penguin experiences available on the Otago Peninsula: Visit Penguin Place, a private conservation reserve where you can view the penguins at close quarters www.penguinplace.co.nz Nature Wonders is set amidst stunning scenery at the head of the Otago Peninsula at Taiaroa Heads. You can experience the wildlife on Natures Wonders cross country tour in 8 wheel-drive, all terrain vehicles where you will see the world’s rarest penguin, the yellow-eyed (Hoiho), little blue penguins, New Zealand fur seals and Cormorants. www.natureswondersnaturally.com Elm Wildlife tours. This is another New Zealand Tourism award winner and Green Globe benchmark. You can sit back and enjoy the experience of being driven to many of the scenic wild life spots around the Peninsula www.elmwildlifetours.co.nz The Royal Albatross Sanctuary is only 15 minutes away. This is a unique opportunity to visit the world’s only mainland breeding colony of Royal Albatross. You can view these extraordinary birds, whose wingspan of over 3 meters, in their natural environment in their colony, at the head of the Otago Peninsula. www.albatross.org.nz Monarch Wildlife cruises and Tours; if you are interested in bird and sea life this is a must. You can take a boat trip on the Monarch around the spectacular Taiaroa Heads at the end of the Otago Peninsula to view the Northern Royal Albatross and wild life that abounds. This experience is a NZ Tourism winner and Green Globe benchmarked www.wildlife.co.nz Visit Larnach Castle - the only Castle in the Southern Hemisphere. The castle is surrounded by a magnificent garden that is open all year round. Scenic Walking with Beautiful Otago Harbour Views For those keen on walking there is a range of walks for all levels of fitness: Gentle walks: From your accommodation take a garden or bush walk at Hereweka. Many pristine beach walks where you can view the Otago Peninsula wild life. Hereweka is at the base of Harbour Cone which is a distinctive landmark on the Otago Peninsula. A steep walk from the property will take you to the top of this cone with spectacular views of the whole peninsula and Dunedin city beyond. Day treks: Many other routes have been mapped out for walkers. ( Information is available at the Retreat) Activities On and Around the Otago Harbour Kayaking is available, an unforgettable day on the stunning Otago Harbour. More information is available upon arrival at Hereweka Garden Retreat. Scenic cycling rides can start from the accommodation. The Lonely Planet recently voted the Otago Peninsula as one of the top destinations to cycle in the world.We can rent bikes for you from a newly opened Dunedin company, Offtrack MTB Tours Email: info@offtrack.co.nz Phone: 0211750832 , www.offtrack.co.nz., The bikes are delivered to your door at Hereweka Retreat on the Otago Peninsula. Swimming: An unforgettable swimming experience is to be had at the mouth of Hoopers Inlet where the water warms and flows to the sea on the outgoing tide. Float in the warm current and you might just hear the calls of yellow eyed penguins (Hoiho) or have the company of sea lions and seals. Art: Dunedin has a vibrant art scene, with many opportunities to view and participate with local artists. Art trail – take a scenic drive as you experience some of the quality art that is available on the Otago Peninsula. Book in for an Art Class is held in a Boat Shed right on the water’s edge of the Otago Harbour. Take a private print making lesson with our resident print maker next door to Hereweka. Have a private Art Class with Mary Jennings (Masters in Fine Art) in her studio at Portobello 5 minutes away. Yoga Lesson: Relax further with a private yoga lessons and therapeutic massage. Please enquire for more information when booking your accommodation. Sustainable Shopping: Visit Broad Bay China, a short five minute drive from your accommodation. A shop full of old china and treasures, it is reputed to be one of the best in New Zealand.