New Zealand - Oamaru and the Penguins

Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony offers a unique chance to observe the world’s smallest penguin at close hand. The birds visit the nesting sight all year round with many pairs actually nesting twice a year. Unlike Blue Penguins in other areas of New Zealand and Australia the birds at Oamaru do not nest in burrows but use the boxes provided by the former harbour quarry. The daily arrivals usually come ashore soon after sundown with numbers of 200 per evening not unheard of depending on the time of the year. The best time to get a good luck at these fascinating, often entertaining creatures is between February and September.

The endangered yellow-eyed penguin is also a regular visitor to the beaches around Oamaru, although it is far more timid than its little blue cousin. The favourite spot is Bushy Beach, but you can also see them at nearby Katiki Point and Shag Point. The birds tend to come ashore after 3pm and only if there are no signs of humans. Fortunately there are plenty of man-made hides from which to observe them without disturbance.

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New Zealand top highlights and attractions

• Art Deco Napier
• Mount Cook National Park – by helicopter
• Oamaru and the Penguins
• Outdoor Activities around Queenstown
• Passports and Visas, Currency, Electrical, Airports and City guide
• Touring the Hawkes Bay Wineries