Guided Evening Penguin Viewing Otago Peninsula, Dunedin, 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‘s Included
All Fees and Taxes
No transport provided, guests need to drive themselves to our reserve
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
Guided Evening Penguin Viewing Otago Peninsula, Dunedin, New Zealand
Reviews
439 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A great time
Nicole S,
Sep 26, 2025
- Viator
5.00This was an amazing experience and I would highly recommend it! It was very cold and windy down at the lookout point when we went so wear very warm and wind proof clothes (27/9). The tour guides were so interactive and friendly, and we saw a lot of penguins. The guides rotated our groups around the lookout point as well which was great and allowed everyone to get different views and angles of the penguins. The beginning of the tour also started with 30 minutes of an introduction and a bit of history which we absolutely loved. Great effort!
Exceeded expectations!
Nola K,
Sep 25, 2025
- Viator
5.00This experience well exceeded my expectations! We began with an information session about the history of New Zealand and the penguins. We were told about the penguins' behaviors and exactly what to expect. I didn't think we would have a good view of the penguins from the platform, and I was very wrong. The view was great and they were very close. The staff let us know when each group ("raft") was coming out of the water. They had everyone rotate on the platform, so everyone got a good look at the penguins. The staff was informative and helpful. Unlike other "penguin experiences," we considered, we were allowed to take photos and videos.
Totally awesome
Janelle I,
Sep 17, 2025
- Viator
5.00Make sure you rug up. Very chilly, but well worth the wait. Very cute little penguins. Something everyone must do.
We enjoyed this...
William G,
Sep 5, 2025
- Viator
4.00We enjoyed this experience, but it would have been better had we been warned about the location being prone to high winds which made the temperature that much colder. We froze!! While they did offer hot drinks, there was no toilets after you left the center, as it closed, so everyone was concerned about having a drink. The staff was terrific, and we highly reccommend, but be prepared that the weather can be much different than downtown Dunedin.
loved it
Maeve C,
Sep 4, 2025
- Viator
5.00so fun!!! saw so many penguins such a cool experience - okay i need to say more - i loved it -it was fun
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Operated by Blue Penguins Pukekura