Ōamaru Penguins

About

Witness the World’s Smallest Penguins

A visit to Ōamaru Penguins is a must-do for any wildlife lover in New Zealand. While famous for the nightly arrival of kororā (little blue penguins), the experience now begins long before dusk with the brand-new interactive Discovery Centre and day tours. Formerly known as the Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony, this world-class conservation site allows you to dive into the world of the smallest penguin species through hands-on exhibits before watching them return from their day at sea.

Whether you’re here to watch the world’s smallest penguins waddle home at dusk or want a behind-the-scenes look at the conservation science during the day, Ōamaru Penguins offers a deep dive into the lives of these incredible birds.

The Main Event: Evening Penguin Viewing

Witnessing the "penguin parade" at dusk remains the most popular experience. As the sun sets, watch from tiered grandstands as rafts of kororā (little blue penguins) return from a day at sea.

• General & Premium Viewing: Choose between our standard grandstand or the Premium viewing area for a closer look and live expert commentary.
• Seasonal Arrivals: Watch anywhere from 20 to over 200 penguins arrive home, depending on the time of year.
• Expert Insight: Learn about the unique behaviours of our colony members from our passionate wildlife guides. Note: Flash photography is strictly prohibited to protect the birds.

Upgrade Your Visit: Day Entry & The Discovery Centre

Arrive early to explore the brand-new, all-weather Discovery Centre. This interactive indoor experience is included with every day tour and evening viewing ticket and it is the perfect way to build anticipation before the evening arrival.

• Become a Scientist: Use interactive consoles to "design" your own penguin or match birds using the penguin-centric research data.
• Immersive History: Watch a wrap-around cinematic film that traces the history of penguins in the Waitaki district from prehistoric times to the present day.
• Real-Time Data: Check the latest colony stats, including how many chicks are currently nesting and how many penguins arrived home the previous night.

Watch the colony livestreams here: Colony Cam / Nest Cam

Where to Find Us