Blue Penguins Pukekura Experience Otago Peninsula, New Zealand
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
See up to 200 blue penguins returning from sea in the evening! (Generally more penguins are seen over the spring/summer than our autumn or winter months, but we guarantee to see penguins every night!! In the non-breeding months of March to August we often see 20-50 birds each night, however on rare occasions we might see fewer than 10 birds). Extremely close viewing of these birds. Learn about the Māori history of this significant site. Tour includes a special "behind the scenes" look at the reserve and penguin habitat.
We are the only blue penguin evening tours that allows photography (but no flash photography)
Voted in the top 10 experiences in New Zealand (TripAdvisor 2022).
Most tours are led by conservation experts/biologists.
Other wildlife often seen (e.g., seals, sealions, albatross)
Additional Info
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This tour option is for those with their own transport to get to our location. If you do not have a car then book our other tour option that has transport
Guests must be able to walk unaided. Tour involves a 300m walk along a gravel path and boardwalk that has over 60 inbuilt steps along it
We DO NOT allow umbrellas, if it is wet you need to bring a rain jacket
What To Expect
Otago Peninsula's largest penguin colony, see up to 200 blue penguins arrive home from a day at sea (more seen over summer than winter). In the non-breeding months (February to August) we expect between 10 - 80 penguins each night. We offer viator refunds of 30% if we see less than 5 penguins ! (Lower than booking direct through our own website where we can offer refunds of 50 %) If no availability on this site, check our own website for additional availability Tour starts with an introduction to the human history of this significant headland, occupied by Māori long before European arrival. At dusk we watch penguins waddle past us just a few metres away. One of the closest and best opportunities to see penguins! Voted in the top 10 TripAdvisor's Best Experiences in New Zealand 2022. PHOTOGRAPHY ALLOWED (no flash) Consider joining our 'Otago Peninsula In-Depth Tour' for a fully guided peninsula experience, see penguins and other wildlife too ! We view penguins on our open platform, they are just a few metres away and you do have the ability to move around to see penguins from different angles. We DO NOT allow the use of umbrellas, so if it is wet bring a rain jacket.
Options
Blue Penguins Pukekura Experience Otago Peninsula, New Zealand
What‘s Included
All Fees and Taxes
No transport provided, guests need to drive themselves to our reserve
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
520 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing trip to see the smallest penguins.
Voyage63542001334,Jun 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was such an amazing experience to see penguins back from seas. They were so cute when they tried to climb up the stones and went back to their nests. Really worth a visit if u stay in Dunedin. Also, the staffs there were very enthusiastic and they shared a lot of knowledge about the penguins to us. Highly recommend it.
Incredible experience
Sergio8290,Jun 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a great experience and we learnt so much about Blue Penguins.
Up close with Blue Penguins. Photography allowed.
neilm206,Jun 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very professional operation, the photos linked to reviews are indicative of what you will see. Like most tourism in NZ it is well run and enjoyable with very knowledgeable guides and great facilities. Highly recommended tour.
Loved seeing the penguins
eviemarion53,Jun 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour starts with a very informative and entertaining info session then down a short walk to get to the viewing area. We obviously had to wait till it was quite dark but a hot drink truck was available which was great on a cold night. Our wait paid off though and it was very exciting seeing the wee penguins scuttling up the beach to "the highway." We saw around 60! I thoroughly recommend this but do wrap up warm if it's a cold night.
Penguins are adorable
Lauren V,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a fun experience ! Highly recommend. Saw so many adorable penguins marching up. The conservatory has done an amazing job protecting the penguins and having a viewing station for people to easily observe. The penguins march right next to viewing station. We also got to see fur seals playing in the water. Learned a lot about penguins, sea lions, NZ fur seals, Dunedin and the history of New Zealand. Dress warm if go in winter - it is windy….
The Best for Every Reason!
Marianne A,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour starts with a very informative talk by expert guides inside the albatross center, moving out to the viewing platform that is specially lit to watch the Penguins come in for the night. Because of where, and how it is situated, you can see them very closely; some of them even live underneath the platform, and the sound they make in their nests is quite hilarious – I got a sound recording just of the noise! The admission fee helps to support the work and everything is centered toward caring for the penguins, which made us so happy to be there, as well as to make our major purchases for the trip in the gift shop, which we actually came back the next day to do. I can’t recommend these folks more highly – come and have this experience – you won’t regret it!
An incredible experience
Getaway657913,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An amazing experience not to be missed when visiting Dunedin. Staff are very informative and we were lucky to see 42 penguins come ashore.
Penguin time
Kate G,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Well organised by guides commuted to the environment and passionate about penguins. The penguins emerged later than expected and the guides happily stayed late to ensure everyone had the opportunity to see the late (penguin) comers.
Go see the penguins!!
samantharA6212BN,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic! Started with an educational chat, then out to the viewing platform. We saw one fur seal and one sea lion before the main event- the Waddles!!! We saw around 45-60 penguins make their way up the beach!! Those penguins 'at home' were very vocal! Elliott, Rene and Jono were knowledgeable and friendly! The sky cleared and we even got a quick astronomy lesson!! It was just wonderful!
Best part of the trip
Trek53004243146,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The commentary section were super. It's helps me and my family to understand more about the penguin. There's a penguin highway for us to check the road that the they walk home. Close and bright. They also allow photo. Happy
Related Experiences
Operated by Blue Penguins Pukekura