Penguin Viewing Guided Tour: Close Encounter with Blue Penguins at Otago Peninsula, Dunedin

Experience a close encounter with blue penguins on a guided tour at Otago Peninsula, Dunedin. See up to 200 penguins returning from the sea in the evening and learn about the Māori history of the site. Capture the moment with photography and spot other wildlife like seals, sea lions, and albatross.

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Blue Penguins Pukekura - Otago Peninsula’s largest penguin colony, see up to 200 blue penguins arrive home from a day at sea (more seen over summer than winter). In the non-breeding months (March to August) we expect between 20 - 100 penguins each night.
    We will offer viator refunds of 70% if we see less than 5 penguins !
    The tour starts with an…
What's Included
  • All applicable fees and taxes included
What's Not Included
  • No transport provided, guests need to drive themselves to our reserve
Additional Information

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…

Location
Blue Penguins Pukekura
Harington Point Road
This tour requires you to have transport to get to us. (If you need transport then see our "Otago Peninsula In-Depth Tour" option for a tour that includes transport). Meet your Blue Penguin Pukekura guides inside the albatross centre at Taiaroa Head at the end of the Otago Peninsula.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(321 Ratings)
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Cheng_s
Oct 1, 2024
An Experience Worth Trying - The whole activity was very enjoyable. The staff were well-organized and provided detailed introductions. The penguins were especially adorable and we could get close to them and take pictures. The experience was excellent.
Review provided by Viator
Passport39494856785
Sep 23, 2024
The cutest animals sightseeing ever! - It was an amazing experience! I was pleasantly surprised by amazing tour guides who gave a lot of information not only about the penguins but also about the history of New Zealand and other interesting facts. The penguins coming from the water was probably the cutest and most wonderful sight I have seen in my whole life! It's truly amazing and definately a worthwhile experience. The guides even gave us some cookies which was also a bonus!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Janice
Sep 17, 2024
Fabulous experience for all ages - Fabulous experience watching the blue penguins come in to shore for the night right on dusk. The way the viewing platform is set up you are really close to the penguins. Excellent informative guides. Well worth doing and supporting this charitable trust at the same time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Megan_t
Sep 17, 2024
Definitely worth the visit - The host was extremely engaging and I learnt so much not sure about penguins but the history and culture of this land. Well done on a great cause.
Review provided by Viator
472felicitym
Sep 14, 2024
Amazing conservation of the environment and penguin population while enjoying a close up encounter - Fantastic experience!! Guides were friendly, animated and very very knowledgeable about the local area, culture and wildlife. Not overcrowded when we went with plenty of space on the viewing deck for people to move around and get a good look at and photograph the penguins. Saw 40+ penguins come in over an hour and their antics are so cute and funny. Brilliant breeding and environmental management program while still allowing very close encounters with the birds. Highly recommended for everyone young and old. Short walk down and back up the steps to the viewing area from the clifftop.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kylie_m
Sep 11, 2024
Must do - Seeing the little blue penguins coming out of the water and waddle up to their huts. Was very cold and windy. Rug up.
Review provided by Viator
Achilles_heal
Sep 9, 2024
Excellent and Unique Activity - Excellent facilities, presentation, and guiding at the viewing platform. Glad we went! Be wary of the intense driving and give yourself time on the roads out to the site.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Terry_g
Sep 6, 2024
Cold but worth it! - Well worth the effort. Brief but informative session on the history of the area and the penguins. Brisk wind blowing on the viewing platform but the arrival of the penguins made it worthwhile. Some good cardio exercise to get back to the car park. Loved it!
Review provided by Viator
Susan_k
Sep 3, 2024
Fantastic - It's rare to have a true outdoor experience with actual wildlife where you're essentially guaranteed an encounter... but this is it! Good guides, info, nice facility before outdoor part and super cool penguins. Dress warmly and you'll love it!
Review provided by Viator
A
Sep 1, 2024
Must see on Otago island - This was such a great experience, starting with the nicest presentation you can imagine, and then the cute penguins which are just adorable. The staff was so welcoming, we had a wonderful evening!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 8 guests
1 Adult
November 2024
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