Blue Penguins Pukekura Experience Otago Peninsula, New Zealand
Description
See up to 200 blue penguins returning from sea in the evening! (Generally more penguins are seen over the spring/summer than our autumn or winter months, but we guarantee to see penguins every night!! In the non-breeding months of March to August we often see 20-50 birds each night, however on rare occasions we might see fewer than 10 birds). Extremely close viewing of these birds. Learn about the Māori history of this significant site. Tour includes a special "behind the scenes" look at the reserve and penguin habitat. We are the only blue penguin evening tours that allows photography (but no flash photography) Voted in the top 10 experiences in New Zealand (TripAdvisor 2022). Most tours are led by conservation experts/biologists. Other wildlife often seen (e.g., seals, sealions, albatross)
Tour Options
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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
- Guests must be able to walk unaided. Tour involves a 300m walk along a gravel path and boardwalk that has over 60 inbuilt steps along it
- We DO NOT allow umbrellas, if it is wet you need to bring a rain jacket
Reviews(523)
The Blue Penguins Pukekura Experience is the Ultimate night out. After being greeted at the door - we were informed of the plan for the evening and when the Experience would begin. We took our seats and our Guide introduced us to the team and then gave a very informative talk about the Penguins and the trust that runs the sanctuary. The time finally arrived for us to make our way down to the viewing platform. We got to see a female seal that had been in sanctuary make her way back to the see. Our Guide told us what sounds to listen out for and what the Penguins do when they come to shore. Hearing and seeing the Penguins was magical - bonus was that we were able to take photos and videos of our experience. Also there is a selection of Hot Drinks and Penguins to purchase while at the viewing deck. Highly recommend this amazing experience.
Wondeful experience watching the penguins....
Such an amazing time! The staff were very friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, and kind. They are doing great things! Learned a lot and got to see really cute little blue penguins. Saw over 40 which was great for winter time! A truly special memory from our vacation. Would highly recommend!
Such incredible helpful staff and such an amazing experience. The drive out is beautiful and makes the trip really amazing from start to finish. Well priced and doesn’t take too long! Would absolutely recommend not only to families and tourists but anyone looking for something great to do especially in winter when it start at 4.45!
Great experience! Was worried due to off season, but saw three rafts come in. Watching the Penguins waddle out of water and up to their nesting area was amazing.
It was such an amazing experience to see penguins back from seas. They were so cute when they tried to climb up the stones and went back to their nests. Really worth a visit if u stay in Dunedin. Also, the staffs there were very enthusiastic and they shared a lot of knowledge about the penguins to us. Highly recommend it.
Kia ora thank you for helping support the largest penguin colony on the Otago Peninsula, glad you enjoyed the experience
It was a great experience and we learnt so much about Blue Penguins.
Thank you so much, each review helps with our work protecting this place and the wildlife !
Very professional operation, the photos linked to reviews are indicative of what you will see. Like most tourism in NZ it is well run and enjoyable with very knowledgeable guides and great facilities. Highly recommended tour.
Thank you, yes nothing worse than unrealistic photos of experiences. Thank you for taking time to write a review for us!
The tour starts with a very informative and entertaining info session then down a short walk to get to the viewing area. We obviously had to wait till it was quite dark but a hot drink truck was available which was great on a cold night. Our wait paid off though and it was very exciting seeing the wee penguins scuttling up the beach to "the highway." We saw around 60! I thoroughly recommend this but do wrap up warm if it's a cold night.
Thank you, us guides also struggle with winter nights.....Thank you for your review
Such a fun experience ! Highly recommend. Saw so many adorable penguins marching up. The conservatory has done an amazing job protecting the penguins and having a viewing station for people to easily observe. The penguins march right next to viewing station. We also got to see fur seals playing in the water. Learned a lot about penguins, sea lions, NZ fur seals, Dunedin and the history of New Zealand. Dress warm if go in winter - it is windy….
Thank you Lauren, yes certainly we are out in weather more suitable for penguins than people!
