Roaring Bay Penguins & Seals Observatory — Attraction in Otago

So this is a hibernating and breeding area for pengins and the behaviour of these creatures is associated with seasons. Hence, I would suggest search a bit before you reach here as to what to expect. You can't go down to the beach but there have been a small camouflage but created from where you can hide and view the penguins and seals on the beach. Please be quiet and dont make too much noise. They try to preserve it is as untouched area for these animals. Be prepared to wait for hours if you really want to see something. It might get interesting and boring so carry some food. You will be in luck if you see anything as soon as you reach. We waiting for like an hour but didn't see any movement. You will also meet alot of people with their big DSLR camping to catch that one perfect shot. I realised how wildlife photography is such a patient profession. The walk form parking area to the viewing point is 15 minutes. It is a bit of downhill then...

We spent a very enjoyable 2 hours watching penguins come ashore from 6pm til 8pm. The hide is well placed and has a great view of the birds coming ashore preening and sometimes interacting with each other.

The attached photos are for a specific pair of birds that we watched where bird 1 came ashore and was preening when bird 2 came ashore. Bird 1 looked back saw bird 2 got excited and ran over to bird 2. But as soon as it arrived bird 2 screamed and screamed at bird 1 until it moved back towards the water, it seemed to be trying to send bird 1 back out. Eventually bird 2 climbed the rocks and was followed by bird 1. Then about 20 minutes later bird 1 reemerged from the brush and slowly waddled...

I think there is a lot of disinformation about this place so let’s set the record straight.

1. This season (23/24) there only one pair of penguins in the bay, which mean you are able to see only one because the other one looks after the chick.
2. although the sign says from 3pm (Summer time) according to the rangers they only spotted the penguin between 19:30 to 21:00 and even that not every day. I’ve waited over 3 hours until I got this information from the rangers who came around 6pm. If you want to see penguin in the wild go to Dunedin if you want to see this specific type, plan yourself accordingly and...