Best Places to See Penguins in New Zealand | Top Locations Revealed
One thing that not many foreign tourists know about New Zealand’s tourism fineness is penguin sightseeing. In fact, even though this rarely goes on the tourism bucket list, the attraction of seeing this fauna roaming in the unconfined spaces is a unique experience that cannot be found anywhere else.
So, for those of you who want a different and anti-mainstream tourism experience, we recommend the best quality penguin sightseeing tour in the world. For that, this article will include some reviews of the best places to see penguins in New Zealand! Then, let’s check this out
Where Can You See Penguins in New Zealand?
Here are 10 Best Places to See Penguins in New Zealand:
The experience of seeing penguins here will be very different since they are wild animals and can be seen directly in their natural habitat!
Without worrying about any recurring difficulties, many tourism agents already provide services for penguin sightseeing straight to the exact spot of the wilderness: the penguin sanctuary.
The services offered are also quite thorough, providing various sightseeing activity needs (accommodation, transportation, supporting equipment, etc.) and guided tours. There are several recommendations that you can choose to get the best experience:
The Banks Peninsula
Being one of the most visited places for penguin sightseeing, many travel agents here specialise in taking tourists to the best places to see penguins in New Zealand. Flea Bay (Pohatu) and Hinewai Reserve are among the hottest spots here, offering a range of experiences, from feeding the penguins in rehabilitation to spotting in the wild.
Oamaru
Also known as the “Penguintown” since the regular sighting of penguins in its coastal area. The prime spots here are the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony, and Bushy Beach, where you can see penguins roaming the shore and going back home at dusk after a night of hunting.
Dunedin
Act as the centre of penguin conservation, it is the capital of penguin tourism. Here, tourists can visit Sandfly Bay and Pilots Beach. Here, penguin sightseeing can be done by simply walking around the beach without getting into the wilderness!
The Marlborough Sounds
As a seagoing region with a vast ria network, Marlborough Sound offers prosperous marine tourism. Picton and Queen Charlotte Sound will be your best options. There, you can see not only penguins but also various other oceanic creatures, such as seals, dolphins, and even bigger, whales!
Stewart Island
This third largest island in New Zealand is the ‘paradise’ of penguins since you can see the most popular species here. To spot penguins, you can get to the wharf and coastline of Oban at dusk or Lee Bay and the surrounding seaside during the evening.
Monro Beach
As one of the remotest locations of penguin tourism, visiting the beach accompanied by an experienced travel agent is highly recommended. Out of finding penguin spots, you can also visit Lake Moeraki for another scenic spot.
Timaru
One of the most accessible places for penguin spotting. As an urban area, you can see penguins just by strolling around at the beach. But remember, since penguins are shy creatures, you better find them in less busy times. The best spots are Caroline Bay and Dashing Rocks.
The Catlins
This coastal area is also recommended because of the high frequency of sightings of the rarest penguin species in New Zealand! The most popular spots that you can plan to visit are Curio Bay and Roaring Bay.
Zoos
If you are reluctant to visit penguins in their natural habitat due to uncertain spotting possibilities, zoos can be an appropriate alternative. Because the animals there are captivity subjects, tourists can be sure to see penguins. Some zoos that can be chosen are Auckland Zoo, Wellington Zoo, and Christchurch’s Antarctic Centre.
Remotes islands
The last option considered unviable (either because of its remote location or strict access) is several nature reserve islands. Some of them are Auckland Island, Campbell Island, and Codfish Island.
What Types of Penguins Can You Find in New Zealand?
There are at least three species that tourists must see: the rare Megadyptes antipodes, which is identical to its yellow-eyed (also known by the locals as Hoiho); Eudyptula minor or the Little Blue (local name: Kororā), the smallest penguin species in the world;
and Eudyptes pachyrhynchus or Fiordland Crested (Tawaki/Pokotiwha). The latter is easily recognised by its crest (as the name suggests), resembling long yellow eyebrows.
Best Locations for Penguin Watching
As a natural habitat for penguins, the coastal area of Dunedin is the ‘capital’ of New Zealand’s penguin tourism. There, the Otago Peninsula will be the exact centre of tourism activities.
All the penguin species above can also be found here, especially the Little Blue and Fiordland Crested. As for the rarer yellow-eyed, tourists generally have to reach a bit further south, i.e., Stewart Island.
The most common way to reach this island is via a 1-hour long voyage ferry departing from Bluff Harbour.
When is the Best Time to See Penguins?
Although some agents dare to guarantee the certainty of seeing penguins on their services, the best time to see them is generally from September to November: adjusting breeding season. Ideally, tourists will be invited to their habitat by adjusting each species’ specific behaviour (timing activity).
However, if you intend to see one of the species in particular, here are the best seasons:
- Little Blue: July-December;
- Yellow-Eyed: September-February;
- Fiordland Crested: July-November.
Conservation Efforts for New Zealand Penguins
Because this is one of the leading aspects of New Zealand tourism, the government has given more attention to its conservation efforts. One of the efforts is through tourism, too: providing awareness to the world about the importance of preserving nature so that this fauna can survive in its natural habitat.
It is essential to consider that several penguin species above are already endangered (the Yellow-Eyed) due to their habitat reduction and population decrease. So, doing penguin tourism is equal to saving the penguin!
Planning Your Penguin Watching Adventure
Although it is not a requirement, using the services offered by penguin tourism agents is a good idea. In addition to providing various necessities to maximise the experience, you can also ensure its success by trusting the portfolio of these agents.
In addition to providing guided tours, they will direct you on important things when doing penguin sightseeing, such as maintaining a safe distance and complying with applicable local and conservation regulations.
You also don’t need to look for supporting equipment because these agents have provided everything. At least you only need to bring your own essentials, such as smartphones or other general documentation equipment (cameras, drones, etc.)
Best Places to See Penguins in New Zealand | Top Locations Revealed
Where Can You See Penguins in New Zealand?
Although all the spots above are the best places to see penguins in New Zealand, the scope of this tourism is certainly not limited to those areas.
There are the best places: the top and unique locations where tourists can choose to see penguins in the wild. Some of them are already included in the tourism agents’ service packages, but a few ‘unique’ spots can only be reached independently. Here are some of them:
- Banks Peninsula: Little Blue and White-Flippered (sub-species of the Little Blue);
- Oamaru: Little Blue and Yellow-Eyed;
- Marlborough Sounds: Little Blue;
- Monro Beach: Fiordland Crested;
- Timaru: Little Blue;
- Catlins: Yellow-Eyed.
What Are the Different Species of Penguins Found in New Zealand?
Of the three species mentioned above, indeed, there are quite striking differences between them:
- Little Blue: The most common penguin species in New Zealand, with an estimated population of 350-650K in the wild. As the name suggests, this species is identical to its small size, with black feathers with dark-bluish saturation. These penguins are nocturnal (active at night).
- Fiordland Crested: The most widespread New Zealand penguin species: with its long yellow ‘eyebrow’. Nocturnal in nature, this penguin species was used as the inspiration for one of the characters in a popular animated film by Warner Bros: Happy Feet (2006). Although its population is still large (5000-6000), its conservation status is vulnerable.
- Yellow-Eyed: As an animal that is active during the day (diurnal), this penguin is not easily spotted since it is the rarest of them all. The yellow-eyed penguin is easily recognisable by its ‘swimming goggles’: pale yellow feathers that form a band around its eyes and encircle the back of its head. The population has dwindled over the years, with only around 2,600 – 3,000 remaining – making its conservation status endangered.
Why Is Dunedin Considered One of the Best Places to See Penguins?
Foreign tourists often ask this question, and to answer it, there are several essential things worth mentioning:
- Dunedin is a big city
Dunedin, located at the head of Otago Harbour on the South Island’s southeast coast, is the second-largest city in the South Island of New Zealand. It is also the principal city of the Otago region.
- The peninsula is the home to the largest penguin species colonies.
Without much human intervention, this area has been blessed by the ‘mother’ Earth as a perfect habitat for small-bodied penguin species.
- The success story of penguin conservation
It can be said that the expanding development of penguin tourism in New Zealand is the result of pioneering conservation efforts carried out in this area. One of the most influential is the Otago Peninsula Eco Restoration Alliance (OPERA), which has been running since 1985.
It is no wonder that there are so many travel/tourism agents in the region that focus on guided tours for Penguin Spotting. So, for those of you who are interested in trying out penguin tourism, Dunedin is the ideal starting point in New Zealand.
When Is the Best Time to See Penguins in New Zealand?
Apart from the seasonal activity aspect of each penguin species (as explained above), tourists also need to adjust the activity of each penguin. Some penguins are more active at night (Fiordland Crested and Little Blue), while others (Yellow-Eyed) are active during the day. Thus, a well-planned trip will consider this: visiting their habitat after sunset or at dusk (timing their return to the nests after hunting). So, in this case, the significance of the services offered by the Penguin Tourism Agent becomes apparent.
Where to Experience a Wildlife Tour to See Penguins?
Therefore, the only remaining ‘homework’ is how to find the best Wildlife Tour. And this is where you can entrust your needs to us.
There are so many penguin tourism packages that you can choose from. However, if you have specific preferences, you can also consult us for a customised trip!
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to the best places to see penguins in New Zealand with us now!
How to Spot Penguins in the Wild?
Actually, the best and simplest tip to spot penguins in the wild is to entrust your trip to a trusted agent, consult with them about the specific needs of your trip, and follow all the advice they give. Doing this makes you more likely to see penguins in their natural habitat!