Hi Mary, Apologies for not responding earlier, I only just saw your question. There is really only one road that goes to the OP, easy to find just look on google maps or use a navigation system. I would recommend taking the return trip via the higher road rather than the coastal one. Hope this helps? It’s an absolutely wonderful part of the world. We stayed at a great air B and B with a lovely lady whilst we were there. Happy to share her details with you if you like?

we did the Monach trip, which was great as it went a far way out to sea so you saw the Albertross where they usually sit on the water. We also did the land based one, this is where you learn all about them breeding and in their nests, and the other wild life. so do both if you can.

One day is enough in Dunedin we only stayed on route to Christchurch. The penguins only come ashore in the evening and I think you have to do the tour to see them.

Sorry I have no idea about on Christmas Day but there are great views and walks. There are a lot of tourists so a cafe or bakery may be open and it should be open in Dunedin which is the start of the peninsula 8:30 is the best time to be at the end of the peninsula to see penguins coming back from fishing for food during the day. We missed that and wished we had been there later in the day to see that

I think self driving gives more flexibility and we just toured the peninsula in one day with a car. Very narrow roads but wonderful views and plan in being at the end of the peninsula for an 8:30 pm view if penguins coming in for the day You can buy a ticket at the end of the peninsula or try and see them On your own but I would do a ticket at the albatross center

Most of the buses stop at Portobello so you are still 10k from the Albatross centre. You can walk from Portobello to Allans Beach (5K) or to Sandymount (10k+).

It is a difficult question to answer but I can give some advice based on my own experience of the Pensinsula, having been there five or six times. New Zealand has become very 'commercial' over the past decade and, with the terrible exchange rate, what was once a cheap destination where many of the 'sights' were free, has become a pretty expensive place to visit. Firstly, the penguins: I haven't personally visited Penguin Place as one used tobe able to get down to that beach for free BUT you can still see yellow-eyed penguins and sea-lions at Sandfly Bay. The penguins tend to come in at dusk so one has to be patient. There is a hide there for keeping watch but you will still need binoculars. Also, walking up out of Sandfly Bay is quite a struggle unless you are moderately fit as it is steep and the sand is quite deep. It is worth a visit though and there are often sea-lions on the beach during the day ansd it is possible to get close to them - but don't get too close and try not to walk between them and the see as that is their escape route and they may feel threatened. Another beach to visit is Allans Beach where again one can often see sea-lions. As for the Albatross Sanctuary - it is very expensive and, in my opinion, not worth the money. One can often see albatrosses flying overhead when sitting in the car-park but it's obviously not guaranteed. The Monarch cruise does go on the sea side of the sanctuary so, if you do decide to take the cruise then you have a good chance of seeing the albatrosses. I hope you enjoy your trip. We will be there for the whole on January visiting family who live on the Pensinsula.

Only just saw this question, so the answer might be too late. I personally would not bother with the tours unless you are not keen to drive yourself. Hire a car for a couple of days and base yourself in Portobello. [I can recommend the Portobello Hotel run by Sue and Keith Rhodes]. From there you can drive out to Taeroa Head and even from the car park you'll see lots of sea-birds. Personally, I wouldn't bother with the albatross sanctuary unless you have money to burn. I have seen albatrosses from the car-park itself. If you are reasonably fit and able, then visit Sandfly Bay in the later afternoon/early evening. There you can see penguins, sea-lions, oystercatchers and plenty of other bird-life. Oh, it won't cost you a penny either. Other beaches to visit, are Victory Beach and Allan's Beach, both of which are beautiful and abound with wildlife. Enjoy your trip.