HTML SitemapExplore
logo
Find Things to DoFind The Best Restaurants

We Saw the World's Smallest (and Hardest-Working!)

Before our trip, we researched and found only two places in New Zealand to witness the magical blue penguin (kororā) homecoming—Dunedin and Oamaru. After careful consideration, we chose Dunedin, and it was absolutely worth it! 💯 🌟 Why Dunedin’s Penguin Experience Stands Out: 1️⃣ Intimate & Crowd-Free – Only ~30 visitors max! No VIP ticket fights, everyone gets a great view. 2️⃣ Photos Allowed! (No flash) – And the penguins come super close! ⚠️ Only downside: The walk back down is pitch dark—requires careful footing. 🧥 Pro tip: Bundle up! Windy AF (but not too cold—skip the hand warmers). 🚗 Getting There: 📍 ~1hr drive from downtown Dunedin along a stunning coastal road (best at sunset!). 🅿️ Free parking onsite (but brace yourself—the wind will nearly blow you away! 💨). 🐧 The Experience: ✔️ Check-in + educational intro (30min, English-only—not ideal for young kids). ✔️ Last bathroom call before heading outside to wait (bring snacks or buy their hot cocoa/coffee—profits go to penguin conservation!). ✔️ Penguin arrival! We saw 40+ (a lucky day outside breeding season!). Staff help rotate viewing spots so everyone gets a front-row look. 📸 Photo-friendly! They encourage sharing on social media to raise awareness. 🍀 Bonus Surprise: After the tour, we even spotted a shy penguin hiding near the coffee bar! #NewZealand #NZTravel #Dunedin #BluePenguins #WildlifeEncounter #SouthIslandNZ #PenguinLove #BucketListMoments

Related posts
🇳🇿 NZ South Island Road Trip PLOGMy All-Time Favorite Italian Spot in Dunedin! 🇮🇹❤️🇳🇿 Dunedin Ultimate Guide: Castles & Coastal Magic 🧭South Island NZ Food Guide: Hits & Misses 🍽️🇳🇿 Slow Travel Guide: How to Experience Dunedin Like a LocalThis Wildly Underrated Museum Deserves a Full Day!
Astrid Ida
Astrid Ida
4 months ago
Astrid Ida
Astrid Ida
4 months ago
no-comment

No one has commented yet...

We Saw the World's Smallest (and Hardest-Working!)

Before our trip, we researched and found only two places in New Zealand to witness the magical blue penguin (kororā) homecoming—Dunedin and Oamaru. After careful consideration, we chose Dunedin, and it was absolutely worth it! 💯 🌟 Why Dunedin’s Penguin Experience Stands Out: 1️⃣ Intimate & Crowd-Free – Only ~30 visitors max! No VIP ticket fights, everyone gets a great view. 2️⃣ Photos Allowed! (No flash) – And the penguins come super close! ⚠️ Only downside: The walk back down is pitch dark—requires careful footing. 🧥 Pro tip: Bundle up! Windy AF (but not too cold—skip the hand warmers). 🚗 Getting There: 📍 ~1hr drive from downtown Dunedin along a stunning coastal road (best at sunset!). 🅿️ Free parking onsite (but brace yourself—the wind will nearly blow you away! 💨). 🐧 The Experience: ✔️ Check-in + educational intro (30min, English-only—not ideal for young kids). ✔️ Last bathroom call before heading outside to wait (bring snacks or buy their hot cocoa/coffee—profits go to penguin conservation!). ✔️ Penguin arrival! We saw 40+ (a lucky day outside breeding season!). Staff help rotate viewing spots so everyone gets a front-row look. 📸 Photo-friendly! They encourage sharing on social media to raise awareness. 🍀 Bonus Surprise: After the tour, we even spotted a shy penguin hiding near the coffee bar! #NewZealand #NZTravel #Dunedin #BluePenguins #WildlifeEncounter #SouthIslandNZ #PenguinLove #BucketListMoments

Dunedin
Tunnel Beach
Tunnel BeachTunnel Beach