Guided tour

Oamaru: Blue Penguin Colony Evening Viewing Ticket

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Guided tour
Oamaru: Blue Penguin Colony Evening Viewing Ticket
4.4
375 reviews
Likely to sell out

Watch the little blue penguins arrive home from their day fishing, to their nests at Ōamaru. Enjoy listening to expert guides provide information about the penguins during the experience.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
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Duration 1.5 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English, Chinese
Wheelchair accessible

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

i
iris – United States

Admission ticket is not expensive and glad to hear that it is also used to support the operation of the colony for conservation of the penguins. Although they are tiny and hard to see but there were lots of them and they are so cute.

L
Lisa – United Kingdom

We were impressed with the small exhibition area before we went to see the penguins, so make sure you arrive early to look through this before going to the viewing area. I had been adviser by a friend to get the premium viewing and I'm glad we did. The penguins came waddling right in front of us and when it was time to leave, we could spend time in the boardwalk area watching them in their little dens. Also, the seating is better there. The guide were great, and told us about what to expect. They would then go quiet when the penguins came up the rocks, so I loved the silence as we watched them go by! Wrap up warm as although you are sheltered from rain, it was still cold and you wouldn't want to miss the penguins because you were cold. Overall it was a fab experience.

Highlights

  • Watch the wild tiny little blue penguins as they return to their nesting boxes.
  • Discover more about the penguins' lives through the informative commentary.
  • Each visitor contributes to & supports our conservation and research work.
  • Range of different wildlife in the area, such as fur seals and other seabirds

Full description

Marvel at the world's smallest penguins as they return from a day's fishing. See the little blue penguins in their natural environment, as they make their way up the beach and a stony ramp before crossing into the colony.

Upon arrival at the Penguin Colony, check in with one of the team, before being guided to your seating area. Then, watch the penguins make their journey up to their specially made nesting boxes, from no more than 15 meters away.

Throughout the experience, delight in the informative commentary of your expert team. Learn about the biology and ecology of the penguins, their breeding habits, the work the Colony does to protect the penguins and why the conservation of these tiny birds is so important in New Zealand. If you're lucky, you may also see a range of different wildlife in the area, such as New Zealand fur seals and other seabirds, such as the Otago Shags on a nearby wharf.

Includes

  • General Admission Evening Viewing Ticket
  • Informative commentary from local expert
  • Food and Drinks

Select participants and date

Meeting point

Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony, Waterfront Rd, South Hill, Oamaru 9400, New Zealand. Please arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled time.

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Important information

What to bring

  • Warm clothing

Not allowed

  • Cameras

Know before you go

  • Photography and video are strictly prohibited during this experience. Flash and light are not good for the penguins' eyes. Please abide by these rules and refrain from using cameras and/or phones in the seating area
  • It can get very cold in the evening in Oamaru. Please dress appropriately in warm clothing including enclosed footwear, jacket, and long pants
  • The General Admission area is approximately 10-15 meters (11-16.5 yards) away from where the penguins will come up the beach into the nesting area
  • During the summer months, evening viewing can be as late as 9 PM, while during the winter the penguins arrive home as early as 5:30 PM. Arrival numbers vary from over 200 in Summer down to under 30 in Winter

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.4 /5

based on 375 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.5/5
  • Value for money
    4.2/5

Customer photos

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Recommended
i
iris – United StatesApril 8, 2025 – Verified booking
Admission ticket is not expensive and glad to hear that it is also used to support the operation of the colony for conservation of the penguins. Although they are tiny and hard to see but there were lots of them and they are so cute.
L
Lisa – United KingdomMarch 17, 2025 – Verified booking
We were impressed with the small exhibition area before we went to see the penguins, so make sure you arrive early to look through this before going to the viewing area. I had been adviser by a friend to get the premium viewing and I'm glad we did. The penguins came waddling right in front of us and when it was time to leave, we could spend time in the boardwalk area watching them in their little dens. Also, the seating is better there. The guide were great, and told us about what to expect. They would then go quiet when the penguins came up the rocks, so I loved the silence as we watched them go by! Wrap up warm as although you are sheltered from rain, it was still cold and you wouldn't want to miss the penguins because you were cold. Overall it was a fab experience.
P
Pauline – United KingdomMarch 12, 2025 – Verified booking
Loved seeing the Blue Penguins. We saw about 160 over a period of 1.5hrs. Also saw lots of seals. It was definitely worth getting the VIP tickets

Product ID: 250092

Activity provider:Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony

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