Discover Kororā — The Little Blue Penguin

Meet the world’s smallest penguin in one of the most intimate and natural viewing experiences in New Zealand.

A Front‑Row View to Penguin Life

At dusk, blue penguins return from a day at sea and make their way up the beach to their burrows at Takiharuru/Pilots Beach. From our purpose‑built viewing deck, you’ll watch them waddle, preen, and socialise—often just metres away. We have the largest population of penguins on the Otago Peninsula. Join us for one of the best opportunities anywhere to observe natural penguin behaviour up close.

Conservation and Hospitality at Our Core

As kaitiaki/guardians of this reserve, we protect the land, restore habitat, and support the thriving kororā colony—the largest on the Otago Peninsula. As a Charitable Trust, your visit directly funds all conservation work. You’ll see firsthand how your experience contributes to the wellbeing of penguins and the restoration of this special place.

Our mission is simple: protect the land, grow the diversity of wildlife, and give every visitor the chance to witness one of nature’s marvels. Many guests tell us it was the best wildlife experience of their entire New Zealand trip.

A Wildlife Experience Led by Experts

Your guides are true specialists—people who work directly with the wildlife you’ll see.

• Lyndon, with nearly 37 years of conservation work on the Otago Peninsula, has unparalleled experience with penguins, albatross, and coastal species.

• Sian also works with the world’s rarest sea lion, the New Zealand Sea Lion and along with Danni (former zookeeper), Elliot (herpetologist), Rene (PhD student), and Jonathan they make up the team that are responsible for the hands‑on management of the penguins, the reserve and other wildlife species.

• Leon and Alister bring decades of tourism expertise, with Leon also managing the Royal Albatross Centre which is were we rent space to greet our guests and start our tour from this building.

Their friendliness and depth of knowledge on various topics will help make your visit truly memorable.

Our unrushed experience starts with an introductory talk.

Before heading to the beach, your evening begins with a relaxed, engaging introduction covering:

• Penguin biology and behaviour

• The ecological importance of this headland

• The deep cultural and historical significance of this place to mana whenua

  Then we make our way to the viewing platform for what many describe as a magical, unhurried encounter with kororā (blue penguins).

“An experience that connects wildlife, landscape and culture”.

Viewing of the Little Blue Penguins is guaranteed and this is an attraction not to be missed when visiting Dunedin, NZ's wildlife capital.

IN THE TOP 10 BEST EXPERIENCES IN NEW ZEALAND TripAdvisor 2023

Number 1 on TripAdvisor for all Dunedin Tours and Activities: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025.

BLUE PENGUINS PUKEKURA (Dunedin) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (tripadvisor.co.nz)

Exclusive Access to a Thriving Colony

As guardians of this reserve, we have exclusive access to view kororā returning from the sea each night. In the 1980s and 1990s, the colony had declined to just six breeding pairs. Today—under the care of Blue Penguins Pukekura—there are over 250 pairs, a remarkable conservation success story.

Your Ticket Funds All Conservation Work

As a Charitable Trust, we rely entirely on visitor support. Every tour helps fund habitat restoration, predator control, reforestation, and hands‑on care of the penguins and other wildlife.

An Unforgettable, Close‑Up Experience

During your visit, our friendly and knowledgeable team look after you, answer your questions, and guide you through incredibly close penguin viewing—often just metres away. In choosing us, you’re not only enjoying an amazing wildlife encounter; you’re helping us protect the penguins, their home, and the future of this special reserve.

CHOOSE THE TOUR THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU !

To help you choose which option is best for you, please choose from the following 2 options:

1. Blue Penguins Pukekura Experience Tour:

• Our most popular tour (often sold out on the night and sometimes weeks/months ahead).

• Watch penguins emerge from the sea and walk past us just metres away (penguins walk past right us so there’s no need for binoculars with us).

• Excellent photographic opportunities of penguins and sunset.

• Rated in Top 10 TripAdvisor reviews for all of New Zealand (2023).

• Penguin viewing guaranteed.

• Available 365 nights a year (starts at dusk). This is a1.5-hour tour (requires own transport to get to us).

• For those without a car, or for those that actually want to get a much deeper insight into all things related to the Otago Peninsula join our longer Otago Peninsula In-Depth Tour which also includes entry into our Blue Penguins Pukekura Experience Tour.

  2. Otago Peninsula In-Depth Tour:

  A guided expedition across the peninsula before joining our Blue Penguins Pukekura Experience Tour.

  • Designed by the peninsula’s longest‑serving ranger

  • Ideal for those curious about wildlife, geology, ecosystems, and Māori cultural history

  • Explore remote areas, see additional wildlife, and enjoy spectacular scenery

  • A great-value guided experience without the stress of driving at night

  • Perfect for travellers wanting a richer understanding of New Zealand’s natural and cultural heritage

  • Includes our Blue Penguins Pukekura Experience Tour

  • Runs daily, starting late afternoon and finishing after penguin viewing

  • Guaranteed penguin viewing

  • Limited spaces — early booking recommended

• $165 for nearly 5 hours is Exceptional value! Our price is significantly less than many other guided Otago Peninsula bus/van tours.

• Need transport? This is the best-value guided option for exploring the peninsula and includes your penguin tour.

Use our Contact Form if you need help you choose the best option for you.