Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony — Attraction in South Island

We visited a bit later in the season so there weren't as many penguins as at the height, but there were still (we found out the next day) 141.

We went through at 8:30, and the narration from the staff started around 9pm. It took quite a long time before the first of the rafts of penguins arrived (I'd guess about an hour or maybe more after we first arrived).

We just went for the "regular" stand rather than the premium stand. The regular stand is just concrete steps, and doesn't (usually - more on that later!) have quite such a good/close view as the penguins come up into the colony to their hearing boxes.

Premium stand has plastic seats, and you're closer to the route most of the penguins take through the fence to their nesting area.

HOWEVER - if you're lucky, as we were, there are sometimes some penguins who stand about preening in the middle, and then headed our way, squeezed under the fence in front of the regular stand, and went down between the two sets of steps!

So, if you are in the stand, sit close to the centre of the stand (either side will do), so you can (quietly and calmly!) peek through the bars and watch them waddle through.

In both cases the stands are covered but otherwise open, so a blanket for your legs is a good idea, as you'll be there after dark.

We also saw LOTS of brown fur seals around the stands - some right up against the fence. They're not interested in the penguins and the penguins don't seem bothered by the seals.

Another thing to be aware - you are NOT allowed to film or photograph the penguins, and that includes using smartphones.

The staff do police this (and are grateful if you point out anyone doing so), so please don't be disrespectful/ignorant and film anyway, as one guy did, despite his own son pointing out the sign saying no photography/video. It's rude, and upsets the rest of the patrons who are abiding by the rules.

All in all, well worth the price of admission. The penguins are so cute, and your (admittedly fairly pricey) admission fee goes to help fund the survival and growth of this wonderful colony.

One final thing - please drive VERY carefully and slowly on your way out, and check under your car before you move it. We had to avoid several of the penguins wandering...

3 warnings before you go. 1. Phone ahead to check the timings. On the day we went, the website said the viewings started at 745pm but this turned out to be wrong: it was actually 630pm. Lucky we turned up super early or I would have been very upset. 2. Be aware that photos are NOT allowed at the evening session. The website is very unclear on this. Technically photos are allowed during the day, but as there are no penguins during the day, there's nothing you'd really want to photograph. 3. You will get VERY cold sitting down for this long, after the sunsets. So bring blankets, hats, gloves and a thermos flask. There's no opportunity to buy a coffee here, even from a vending machine. The penguins: I'm a big fan of penguins, so I enjoyed the opportunity to watch a couple of hundred of these cute creatures waddle home at night in dribs and drabs over a two hour period. Note that although these are wild penguins that come and go as they please, they don't make their nest in the wild as I had expected, they've been purpose built huts to sleep in by the conservation centre. The seats: I'm glad I paid for the premium seats because you actually get a seat, whereas in the cheaper area you are sat on a concrete step. The view was also better on the premium side, although it looked like you can still see quite a lot on the cheaper side. What's perhaps more important is to choose your specific seat and row carefully. There are 3 parts to the penguins' journey home you want to see. 1. The 'rafts' of penguins arriving by sea. 2. Penguins climbing up the rocks. 3. Penguins running across the empty space in front of you, and into the huts. My girlfriend and I were sat in the front row and could see 3 clearly, but 2 only a little, and 1 not all. Bear in mind that once the viewing has started, you are not allowed to move, except to leave. The guides: There was some commentary in both English and Mandarin during the 10-15 minutes while we waited for the first penguins to arrive, and a bit more during sporadic quiet periods. This was okay, but I didn't learn a great deal to be honest. Overall, I'd recommend this experience as a nice way to view penguins in the wild, as long as you choose your seat carefully and bring things to...

My visit to the Oamaru Blue Penguins Colony was truly extraordinary and unforgettable. This sanctuary offers a unique chance to observe the smallest penguins in the world in their natural setting. Visitors are kindly reminded not to take photos or videos to avoid disturbing the penguins’ routine, ensuring a peaceful viewing experience.

I went for the Premium Evening Viewing experience and was thrilled with the outcome. Witnessing 17 penguins make their way back home between 8:15-9:15 pm was a highlight. For those attending General Viewing, there's still a chance to catch a glimpse of the penguins on their way back to their burrows, providing an unexpected delight. For Daytime viewing, it's advisable to check with the front desk for the most up-to-date information, as the penguins may not be present at home during day time in March.

Arriving 15-30 minutes early is recommended to secure the best seats, and binoculars are permitted for a closer look. The experience includes a walk through the penguins' habitat, followed by an educational talk on conservation efforts. The guides are knowledgeable and engaging, providing valuable insights into the penguins' behavior and the importance of their preservation.

In addition to the penguins, visitors may also catch a glimpse of fur seals sharing the area. Watching the penguins return home in waves, with some resting mere meters away, was truly enchanting. The passion and dedication of the team, combined with their friendly hospitality, added to the overall experience.

I wholeheartedly endorse a visit to the Oamaru Blue Penguins Colony. It's an opportunity to learn about conservation efforts and witness these adorable creatures in their natural environment. The encounter left me with a newfound admiration for these remarkable animals. Special thanks to guide Jude, whose enthusiasm for the penguins made the experience even more memorable. Grab yourself a blue penguin at the gift shop as you might not be able to find them else where...