Discover Kororā, the Little Blue Penguin, the world's smallest penguin.

At dusk, enjoy close up views of penguins returning from a day at sea to the Takiharuru/Pilots Beach nature reserve. Watch from a purpose built observation deck as kororā scurry up the beach to reach their burrows. Tour includes an introductory talk on the biology of the penguins and fascinating history of the reserve, a reserve that is a highly significant site to Māori. Viewing of the Little Blue Penguins is guaranteed and this is an attraction not to be missed when visiting Dunedin, NZ's wildlife capital.

It's the mission of Blue Penguins Pukekura to ensure the protection of the land and increase the diversity of wildlife in this nature reserve, while also ensuring visitors experience one of nature’s marvels. We want our guests to have an experience of a lifetime (Our visitor reviews often say this was their best wildlife experience in New Zealand).

IN THE TOP 10 BEST EXPERIENCES IN NEW ZEALAND TripAdvisor 2022

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

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

Joining us on one of our tours means you are directly contributing to conserving the largest penguin colony on the Otago Peninsula.

In the 1980’s and 1990’s the reserve was managed by another organisation and during that period there was a declining penguin population (with a record low of just 6 pairs then).

Now managed by Blue Penguins Pukekura, we have over 300 penguin pairs today, making it the largest penguin colony on the Otago Peninsula!

As a Charitable Trust we are entirely funded from visitors joining us to see the nightly arrival of the penguins that funds this conservation work.

CHOOSE THE TOUR THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU !

Our belief is delivering exceptional wildlife and cultural tours that support our mission to look after the largest colony of penguins on the Otago Peninsula. This is reflected in our visitor’s experiences; our reviews are almost always “5 out of 5 star” reviews and a reason why we were awarded TripAdvisor’s top 10 list for the thousands of activities bookable in NZ in 2022.

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).

• Watch penguins emerge from the sea and walk past us just metres away.

• Excellent photographic opportunities of penguins and sunset.

• Rated in Top 10 TripAdvisor reviews for all of New Zealand (2022).

• Expert cultural and wildlife talk included.

• Other wildlife often seen in the area.

• Penguin viewing guaranteed.

• Available 365 nights a year (starts at dusk), 1.5-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 includes entry into our Blue Penguins Pukekura Experience tour.

  2. Otago Peninsula In-Depth Tour:

• An expedition of the Otago Peninsula before joining our Blue Penguins Pukekura Experience Tour.

• Designed by the Otago Peninsula’s longest serving ranger, this tour is designed for those that have a thirst for knowledge about the Otago Peninsula’s wildlife, geology, botany, eco-systems and cultural sites of significant interest.

• Explores the remote parts of the peninsula to see other wildlife and spectacular scenery while learning about the environment.

• Best option for those without a car that want to explore the peninsula and see our penguins. For those with a car, consider letting someone else do the driving and you’ll learn and see so much more !

• Backpacker rate applicable.

• An affordable tour to see the Otago Peninsula and wildlife.

• Take the worry out of driving at night and let us expertly guide you !

• If you are curious about NZ and learning about Māori culture, unique plants and animals of the area, plus see penguins then this is the tour for you !

• Sees other wildlife species.

  Available 365 days a year, starts late afternoon, finishes at night after our penguin tour (Blue Penguins Pukekura Experience Tour is included, 5 hours total length). Limited spaces so bookings are highly recommended.

• Penguin viewing guaranteed.

• $145 for nearly 5 hours is Exceptional value! Our price is significantly less than many other guided Otago Peninsula bus/van tours.

NEED TRANSPORT ? Our daily Otago Peninsula In-Depth Tour is the best value tour to be expertly guided and explore the back country roads, wildlife, geology while seeing spectacular scenery of the peninsula. This tour includes our Blue Penguin Experience Tour. An affordable option where all of your party will get so much more value out of doing this tour than trying to explore the Otago Peninsula by yourselves.

Student and Backpacker deals are available. See OUR TOURS for backpacker discounts (ID will be required).

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

A very strong part of who we are comes from our cultural ethos, and that is to look after our guests. We can also help give local advice for other things to see and do in the area. Just use the Contact Form and ask us !