Royal Albatross / Toroa (Diomedea empmophora sanfordi)

The Royal Albatross are the largest sea bird in the world with a wingspan of up to 3.3 metres. The Taiaroa head is home to the only breeding colony on the mainland, their main colony is on the Chatham Islands. It is thought that the clearing of forest provided them with the perfect habitat. The Department of Conservation protects the colony and visitor numbers are controlled at the nesting site hide.

More than 80% of their lives are spent at sea and it is said they carry the 'souls of sailors'. The population here is around 100 with these amazing birds arriving in October after circumnavigating the globe. They come to NZ to breed and spend most of the year here. When they leave they go on 'holiday' for a year and are replaced by others coming back from their holiday! Their story is fascinating and one our guide loves to tell.