• Blue Penguins Pukekura - Home to the largest penguin colony on the Otago Peninsula, visitors can witness up to 200 blue penguins returning from the sea each evening, with more sightings in summer than winter. During the non-breeding season (February to August), expect to see between 10 to 80 penguins nightly.

A 70% refund is available through Viator if fewer than 5 penguins are seen!

The tour begins with an overview of the human history of this important headland, inhabited by Māori long before European settlers arrived. As dusk approaches, guests move to a specially designed platform to observe the world’s smallest penguin species as they return from the sea. Penguins can be seen waddling just a few meters away, offering one of the best and closest opportunities to observe this unique wildlife in their natural environment.

Ranked among TripAdvisor’s Top 10 Best Experiences in New Zealand for 2022.

PHOTOGRAPHY ALLOWED (no flash)

Consider joining the ‘Otago Peninsula In-Depth Tour’ for a comprehensive guided experience of the peninsula, including penguins and other wildlife!

Penguins are viewed from an open platform, just a few meters away, and guests can move around to see them from different perspectives. Umbrellas are not permitted, so please bring a rain jacket if the weather is wet.

• All applicable fees and taxes included

• No transport provided, guests need to drive themselves to our reserve

Experience the fantastic sight of up to 200 blue penguins arriving from the sea at dusk! Most penguins are witnessed during the spring/summer seasons, as compared to the autumn or winter. Still, we guarantee you’ll sight penguins each night!! In the non-breeding period, from March to August, it is common to observe 20-50 birds per night, but occasionally, the count could be less than 10. Get an extraordinarily close view of these creatures. Acquire knowledge about the significance of this site to Māori history. Our tour also includes a unique behind-the-scenes peek at the reserve and the penguin’s habitation.

We stand out as the only evening tours for blue penguins that permit photography (flash photography is not allowed).

Named as one of the top 10 experiences in New Zealand by TripAdvisor in 2022.

Tours are primarily conducted by conservation professionals/biologists.

Some tours may also feature additional wildlife sightings like seals, sea lions, and albatross.

• This tour option is for those with their own transport to get to our location. If you do not have a car then book our other tour option that has transport
• Tour involves a 100m walk along a boardwalk that has over 30 inbuilt steps along it
• We DO NOT allow umbrellas, if it is wet you need to bring a rain jacket

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.