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Home »New Zealand Travel »Scenic Highlights »Coastal Highlights »Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony

Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony

Come and spy on the world's smallest penguins.

Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony
Otago, New Zealand

Blue penguins are found right around the coast of New Zealand and southern Australia, but none closer to human activity than in Oamaru. Oamaru is a large coastal town located in the Otago region of New Zealand.

The birds nest right around the harbour area and the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony offers a unique opportunity for you to observe the world's smallest penguin arriving home from their day at sea and returning to their nests.

Each evening, groups of blue penguins gather offshore and wait for dark. Just after dark, they swim ashore below the viewing stands. They quickly climb the steep bank, before resting a while at the top. When they are ready, they cross the parade area and head towards their nest sites, often to be greeted by mates or hungry chicks.

The Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony is located just beyond the Victorian Heritage Precinct, within walking distance of the town centre, shops, restaurants and accommodation.

The Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony is open for viewing every day and night of the year, except Christmas Day, ANZAC day (25th April) and Easter Friday.

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