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 can cause a reduction in breeding success and declining populations.

    If you wish to view penguins and not cause them any stress, then it is 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 (late afternoon)

    Blue Penguins Pukekura operates the only night-time viewing of blue penguins on the Otago Peninsula. We guarantee to see blue penguins.

    To see the rarer Yellow-eyed penguin at other locations on the Otago Peninsula please enquire with one of the following operators. This species is rare so you might not see many, viewing of Yellow-eyed penguins can’t be guaranteed. 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 many 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, cultural or wildlife tours and transport.

    A) Crafted Pathways Travel (City and Cultural tours)

    B) Fantail Tours (City and Wildlife Tours)

    C) Awesome Tours (City and Wildlife Tours)

    D) City Walks (City Tours)