Other Penguin Viewing Options

  • We often get asked, where can we see penguins for free ?

    The problem with this is penguins in unmanaged sites can suffer terribly from people getting too close.

    Stress to adult birds means a reduction in breeding success and declining populations.

    If you wish to view penguins and not cause them any stress, best to book a guided tour.

    The Otago Peninsula is home to 2 species of penguins, the blue (little) penguin and the yellow-eyed penguin.

    Blue penguins come ashore at night

    Yellow-eyed penguins come ashore during the day

    Blue Penguins Pukekura operates the only night-time viewing of blue penguins on the Otago Peninsula. The next closest viewing location that operates a night time tour similar to ours is at Oamaru (1.5 hours drive north of Dunedin).

    See Oamaru Blue Penguins.

    To see the rarer Yellow-eyed penguin on the Otago Peninsula please enquire with one of the following operators. Quite rare so you might only see 1 or 2 yellow-eyed penguins. Ask these operators about the current viewing opportunities:

    A) The OPERA

    B) Nature’s Wonders

    C) Clearwater Wildlife Tours

Other wildlife of the Otago Peninsula

  • The Otago Peninsula is home to the only mainland colony of albatross in the Southern Hemisphere. These giant birds nest near our Blue Penguin colony and while albatross can often be seen flying over the headland, the nesting location can only be seen via a guided tour. For viewing the nesting location try:

    A) Royal Albatross Centre

    B) Monarch Wildlife Cruises

    C) Port to Port Cruises

    Seals and sealions are relatively common on headlands and beaches along the Otago Peninsula.

    Please stay at least 20m away from these animals, respect their space !

City Sights and Cultural Tours

  • Dunedin has some fascinating history, remarkable buildings and unique city sights.

    Below is a sample of operators you may wish to contact for city and/or cultural tours

    A) Crafted Pathways Travel

    B) Horizon Tours

    C) Fantail Tours

    D) Awesome Tours