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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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.
What‘s Included
All Fees and Taxes
No transport provided, guests need to drive themselves to our reserve
Options
Blue Penguins Pukekura Experience Otago Peninsula, New Zealand
Reviews
493 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Absolutely Amazing
Caren J,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Absolutely fantastic tour. Credit to the workers at the reserve for the work they do. The Penguins are the cutest
Worth seeing
O1424MPnathalier,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a great and worth seeing trip. The penguins walk right past you. So cute!
Amazing night!
112hanaw,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our night watching the penguins come up onto the beach was so so special. We were happy to pay the price, as the tickets and other merchandise (available at the check in place) all goes to towards the conservation efforts. I also think the price point was very fair given the resources and knowledge available. The staff were fabulous. Started with an ‘education’ session about them, the history of the area and of course about the penguins. Was NOT boring! Even the little kids there were all engaged. Then it came time to head down to the platform. It was cold from the breeze - so definitely bring your warmies! They moved everyone around the platform so there was equal opportunity to see the different areas the penguins were hanging out in, which was much appreciated. The penguin turnout was about mid 40’s for the night we went. Which is pretty average for this time of year. Apparently summer is best to see the most. Overall - it was an amazing experience and I would recommend this to anyone! Exceeded any expectations we had.
Little Blue Penguins
V649EDjustinc,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Super cool! Really enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff and adorable little penguins!
Awesome visit
fabdog,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the penguin viewing. Meet up at albatross center, have an informative talk on penguins and history of the area. Then down to the beach, there stairs, wear comfy shoes. There was one solo penguin on the path when we got there, and another solo a bit later. Waited a while for the 2 main groups to come out, so cute waddling up the beach and then hopping up the rocks. We saw almost 40 penguins. The staff answered many questions on what impact the viewing stand and lights have (none). You can take pics just no flash. They do have a cart for coffee/hot chocolate. It was not overcrowded as I have seen at other venues and everyone got good views. I much preferred this to Philip island in Australia
Fabulous experience
Gilles P,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The first half hour explaining the life of the blue penguins was very interesting. Then, fun experience to see these little animals come home from their day at sea... A little tight in front of the barriers given the number of people, but the guide regularly rotates people so that we all benefit. And if it's nicer, we get the Milky Way...
Excellent night of penguins with bonus albatross and milky way sightings
Anna W,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent communication and education about the penguins! Those little blue penguins are absolutely adorable!! Bonus seeing albatross fly over coupled with a clear night of star gazing made this adventure a night to remember. The milky way even made an appearance. Highly recommend!
Great experience to see...
Greg B,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience to see the blue penguins in their natural environment & very informative & passionate hosts.
Adorable penguins
bonniehC7500WB,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fabulous tour! James was very knowledgeable about birding in the area, took into the countryside to see more birds. Also stargazing was optimal that evening
Not to be missed!
douglasp857,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an experience of a lifetime! We were so close to the little blue penguins and they are absolutely adorable! The guides made sure we all had our fair share of prime viewing time, and the group was small enough so you were never left out! This was definitely one of the highlights of our trip! Don't miss it!
From NZ$55.00
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