5.0 (571) · Dunedin & The Otago Peninsula · By Blue Penguins Pukekura Free cancellation
Witness up to 200 blue penguins returning from the sea each evening!
While more penguins are typically seen during spring and summer compared to autumn or winter, we guarantee penguin sightings every night.
During the non-breeding months of March to August, we often observe between 20-50 birds nightly. On rare occasions, fewer than 10 birds may be seen.
Enjoy exceptionally close viewing opportunities of these remarkable birds.
Discover the Māori history associated with this significant location.
The tour includes a special "behind the scenes" glimpse into the reserve and the penguins' habitat.
We are the only blue penguin evening tour that permits photography (flash photography is prohibited).
Recognized as one of the top 10 experiences in New Zealand (TripAdvisor 2022).
Most tours are guided by conservation experts or biologists.
Other wildlife, such as seals, sea lions, and albatross, are frequently spotted.
✕ No transport provided, guests need to drive themselves to our reserveActivity Schedule
1 h 30
Experience the largest penguin colony on Otago Peninsula and observe up to 200 blue penguins returning to their homes after a day at sea. More penguins are generally seen in summer than in winter.
During the non-breeding months (February to August), we anticipate seeing between 10-80 penguins each night.
We offer a 30% refund via Viator if fewer than 5 penguins are observed. (Note: refunds are 50% when booking directly through our website).
If this site shows no availability, please check our own website for additional openings.
Begin with an introduction to penguins and the human history of this important site.
As dusk settles, watch penguins waddle past just a few meters away. This offers one of the closest and best chances to see penguins!
Awarded a spot among TripAdvisor's Top 10 Best Experiences in New Zealand for 2023.
Photography is permitted (no flash allowed).
Consider our 'Otago Peninsula In-Depth Tour' for a comprehensive guided experience of the peninsula, including penguins and other wildlife.
Alternatively, opt for our 'Behind-The-Scenes' tour to extend your experience and engage in conversations with our biologists (details on our website).
We are situated on an open platform, allowing penguins to be viewed just a few meters away. You are able to move around the platform.
Umbrellas are not permitted. If rain is expected, please bring a waterproof jacket.
Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One per booking
This tour requires you to have your own transportation to reach our location. (For tours that include transport, please consider our 'Otago Peninsula In-Depth Tour' option).
Please meet your Blue Penguin Pukekura guides inside the albatross centre at Taiaroa Head, located at the very end of the Otago Peninsula.
This tour requires you to have your own transportation to reach our location. (For tours that include transport, please consider our 'Otago Peninsula In-Depth Tour' option).
Please meet your Blue Penguin Pukekura guides inside the albatross centre at Taiaroa Head, located at the very end of the Otago Peninsula.
Kindly check in 15 minutes before the tour's scheduled start time.
Check-in takes place within the royal albatross centre.
The centre is situated at the end of the Otago Peninsula, at Taiaroa Head.
The centre opens only 30 minutes prior to the penguin tour's commencement.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Suitable for individuals of all physical fitness levels. This tour option is designed for those who have their own transportation to our facility. If you do not have a vehicle, please book our alternative tour option that includes transportation. Guests must be able to walk without assistance. The tour involves a 300-meter walk along a gravel path and a boardwalk featuring over 60 integrated steps. Umbrellas are strictly prohibited. In case of rain, please bring a rain jacket. Blue Penguins Pukekura Experience Otago Peninsula, New Zealand
Ensure you have your own transportation to reach the albatross centre at Taiaroa Head. Arrive 15 minutes prior to your tour start time for check-in. Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for a gravel path and boardwalk with steps. Bring a rain jacket if the weather looks uncertain, as umbrellas are not permitted. Remember that flash photography is not allowed to protect the penguins. Consider booking the 'Otago Peninsula In-Depth Tour' if you require transport or wish for a more comprehensive experience. For a full refund, please ensure cancellation at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 333256P1
Activity offered by Blue Penguins Pukekura via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Nature enthusiasts Wildlife lovers Families Photography enthusiasts Observe up to 200 blue penguins in their natural habitat. Enjoy incredibly close viewing opportunities. Learn about the local Māori history. Photography is allowed (no flash). Recognized as a Top 10 Experience in New Zealand. Guided by conservation experts and biologists.
Currency New Zealand dollar
Official languages Māori, English
Driving on the left
Power plugs I · 230 V
Emergency number 111
Capital city Wellington Average temperatures 14° Jan 14° Feb 13° Mar 12° Apr 10° May 8° Jun 8° Jul 8° Aug 9° Sept 10° Oct 11° Nov 13° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the best time of year to see the most penguins? + While penguins are present year-round, you'll generally see more during the spring and summer months. During the non-breeding season (March to August), expect to see between 10-80 penguins each night.
Is transportation provided to the tour location? + No, this tour option requires you to have your own transport to the albatross centre at Taiaroa Head. If you need transport, please look for our 'Otago Peninsula In-Depth Tour' option.
Can I take photos during the tour? + Yes, photography is allowed, but please refrain from using flash photography as it can disturb the penguins.
What should I do if it rains? + Umbrellas are not permitted. If there is a chance of rain, please bring a waterproof jacket to stay dry.
What is the refund policy if few penguins are seen? + We offer a 30% refund via Viator if fewer than 5 penguins are observed. Booking directly through our website offers a 50% refund in such cases.
Is the tour suitable for everyone? + The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. However, guests must be able to walk unaided along a 300m path with over 60 steps.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Highly recommend if you're an animal lover!
amandamC7980OM, October 2026
We had a lovely evening visiting the little blue penguins.
Our boys were blown away at the huge numbers that we saw and how close up we were :)
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
My favorite wildlife excursion, I'm in love with the Little Blue's!!!
620cicim, October 2026
This is my second time, I just can't get enough of these guys!! I feel so lucky to see them during feeding season. It was amazing to see the chicks being fed! But my favorite thing is watching them raft offshore, zoom in together, and then waddle up the sand to climb the rocks. I'm so happy they are thriving; thank you, human keepers of the colony!!!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Third visit and still a favourite
NewZealandMidwife, October 2026
We visited last month. This was my third visit over the years, but my husband’s first, and it was just as fabulous as ever. There’s something truly special about watching the little blue penguins come ashore and waddle up to their burrows. Everyone got a turn to see them up close, and the chicks were a real highlight. The guides clearly care about the penguins, which makes it even better. Being able to grab a hot drink from the coffee cart on the viewing platform was a welcome addition on a cold, crisp evening. Definitely well worth a visit.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
A very good experience
Road01494541055, October 2026
A very good experience, little blue penguin is so cute, hope the reserve gets better and the population increases more and more.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Amazing Blue Penguin Experience! Must do!!
anniemaec2026, September 2026
Amazing experience. I loved the information session at the start and learned alot about the penguins and the coast they live on. The staff were very friendly and well informed, and the experience was run smoothly. Was lucky to see around 200 penguins and you are able to get so close. I would recommend this to anyone visiting Dunedin!!
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