Tours and Tickets
Guided Evening Penguin Viewing Otago Peninsula, Dunedin, New Zealand
5

Guided Evening Penguin Viewing Otago Peninsula, Dunedin, New Zealand

By Blue Penguins Pukekura
Recommended by 100% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
About
from
$30.57
per adult

Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 0-100, max of 75 per group
Duration: 1h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
English
Features animals


  • All Fees and Taxes


Departure details
  • Blue Penguins Pukekura, 1245 Harington Point Road, Harington Point 9077, New Zealand For this option you need to self-drive to the end of the Otago Peninsula. There is plenty of parking. Meet your Blue Penguin Pukekura guides and start your tour inside the albatross centre at Taiaroa Head at the end of the Otago Peninsula.
Return details
  • Returns to original departure point

  • Not wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 333256P1

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • 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
  • Tour involves a 100m walk along a boardwalk that has over 30 inbuilt steps along it
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 75 travelers

  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

What you can expect during your visit
  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.

How much is Guided Evening Penguin Viewing Otago Peninsula, Dunedin, New Zealand?
Guided Evening Penguin Viewing Otago Peninsula, Dunedin, New Zealand price starts from $30.91. Discover and book Guided Evening Penguin Viewing Otago Peninsula, Dunedin, New Zealand on Tripadvisor
What is the Guided Evening Penguin Viewing Otago Peninsula, Dunedin, New Zealand cancellation policy?
Guided Evening Penguin Viewing Otago Peninsula, Dunedin, New Zealand cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Discover and book Guided Evening Penguin Viewing Otago Peninsula, Dunedin, New Zealand on Tripadvisor
Which company provides Guided Evening Penguin Viewing Otago Peninsula, Dunedin, New Zealand?
Guided Evening Penguin Viewing Otago Peninsula, Dunedin, New Zealand is hosted by Blue Penguins Pukekura. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact Blue Penguins Pukekura on Tripadvisor. Discover and book Guided Evening Penguin Viewing Otago Peninsula, Dunedin, New Zealand on Tripadvisor
How much time do I need for Guided Evening Penguin Viewing Otago Peninsula, Dunedin, New Zealand?

If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 333256P1

Reserve your spot

Similar experiences

About the operator
Blue Penguins Pukekura
299
Dunedin, New Zealand
Joined in November 2012

#1 of 60 Tours & Activities in Dunedin
  • MFWT1998
    MFWT1998
    0
    0
    Amazing Experience
    This was an amazing experience. We were picked up at the Octogon and left on time. Our driver/guide, Jono stopped to show us stunning views of the harbor as well as educated us on what we were seeing. We got to the Albatross Center and walked out to the cliff and were graced to see an Albatross flying (was iffy since it was not very windy). Then Jono and Troy lead us through what we were going to see, the history and preservation that was going on. Then we headed down to see the most adorable little blue penguins. Jono and Troy helped us spot them coming in, told us the best places to see/photograph them. We saw over 50 little guys come in. Jono and Troy answered all our questions and gave us a bit of a stargazing experience as well. Highly recommend this tour.
  • Diane R
    Diane R
    0
    0
    Take videos
    I booked this directly on the Pukekura website so I could confirm the transport pick up and get an online discount. The mini-van collected us promptly from outside the I-Site centre in town and took us out to the peninsular Got a tour around a chance to spot albatross, heron and gulls. Even saw a Pukeko swamp hen out there. There is always someone keeping an eye (and ear) out for penguins arriving. so although you are inside a while for the talk you are not missing anything. Was after 9pm before the first little one arrived - and he had a look, realised he was on his todd...and promptly went back into the sea!!! Saw a nice sunset on the beach whilst waiting and finally the penguins were here. Were a good 30-40 of them so plenty to see. What surprised me is that they all tended to hang about and chatter and preen rather than going straight off to their nests. I imagined it to be a bit of a blink or you'll miss it experience but was still watching on a good half hour later. For viewing they ask you to swap sides about 10 mins in so everyone has a chance to be on the left and close to the path the penguins come up. I'd have 2 tips use. Use videos rather than taking too many photos as it is very dark by this time so the video action is clearer and you can take stills from it. Also ensure you take a look round the back of the platform area as this is where the penguins end up, plus you often see baby ones rushing out the other way to greet the beach arrivals. It's not crowded back here so get great penguin action. There are ALOT of people on the viewing platform!
  • adeliner673
    adeliner673
    0
    0
    Blue little penguins
    I had a magical time. Seeing these groups of little penguins coming out of the ocean and crossing the beach is really a beautiful spectacle that nature offers us. The guides are very nice and available to talk with you. Thanks
  • Trek309312
    Trek309312
    0
    0
    Delightful little penquins
    Stay looking for albatross as long as you can to increase odds of seeing one. Leon was excellent tour guide
  • Q1699SQerikr
    Q1699SQerikr
    0
    0
    penguis, small cute penguis
    Fantastic tour with a great pair of guides, transport was on time in modern van, definitely worth it if traveling without a car or if you'd like some nature type activity that isnt a hike or the local beach. (for my non northern friends, bring a coat/windbreaker as the wind and lack of sun may be chilly) and afterwards visit WOOF or the number of other bars near the drop-off Cheers !
  • lisakS4035OP
    lisakS4035OP
    0
    0
    Do Not Miss!
    This was our first visit to NZ, and part of our dream trip was being able to see Blue Penguins come ashore. This excursion is so worth the time and the wait! Leon picked us up near our hotel and drove to the site and back. I highly recommend the pick up/drop off for the convenience, and along the way he give a lot of additional information about plants and animals that we might see along the way. The video presentation is packed with information, and then the guides lead you to the viewing platform which is well lit and very close to the path that the penguins use to go to their burrows. Then you wait. We waited for 1-1:30 hours, so make sure to have warm clothes. We needed the hats, gloves and warm coats we'd packed to ward off the brisk wind and cool temps. We saw three penguins the night we were there which is on the low side, but each one was fascinating to watch pick it's path up the rocks and over the hill to it's particular burrow. They are tough little birds! Well worth the trip!!! One caution- be careful coming back up the path from the viewing platform. It's dark and even with the path lighting, I missed a step and came down hard on a knee. People are less sure footed than the penguins. All in all, a special day in New Zealand.
  • i2izr
    i2izr
    0
    0
    Great experience
    Guides were awesome, very friendly and helpful. It was amazing to see the blue penguins coming out of the sea.
  • timhL4959AY
    timhL4959AY
    0
    0
    Yup, penguins
    Our driver and guide, Leon, was chill and knowledgeable. Lots of info about NZ history as well as the penguins.
  • Lmbarcena
    Lmbarcena
    0
    0
    Exceptional Penguin Experience
    Seeing the Penguins come in from the sea to sleep for the night was a wonderfully exciting experience. This is a must see. When we were done, our scheduled Uber did not show up and the Ubers and taxis were not available. We were 4 stranded ladies and were beginning to panic. Lucky for us, Lyndon, the gentleman who was in charge, took us back to our hotel in the city. He was a life saver.
  • carmenpV1594AR
    carmenpV1594AR
    0
    0
    Blue Penquins
    Excellent experience, and professional service. The personnel was very knowledgeable and attentive. Took us directly to our hotel
  • northh_23
    northh_23
    0
    0
    A magical evening!
    An absolute must do in Dunedin! What a lovely evening watching the penguins arrive back on the beach, we also saw some chicks waiting for their Mum and Dad to return with food and there were albatrosses and seals too! You get so close on the viewing platform and none of them seemed bothered by our presence. There’s plenty of room for everyone to see and the guides were very good at making sure no one misses out. The guides were friendly and welcoming with so much knowledge they are keen to share. I got the transport from Dunedin and I’m so glad I did as it’s a pretty windy road up there and it was quite late coming back. 100% recommend!
  • Nancy B
    Nancy B
    0
    0
    The highlight of a three week trip!
    We spent three weeks doing nature/adventure travel in New Zealand and this tour was the highlight! Our driver was friendly and knowledgeable and the information provided as we waited for twilight was well done and interesting. But, the evening was special because of those special little birds swimming into shore and making their way past our viewing station. I can’t believe how close they came to the viewing platform. The adventure was pretty close to a sell-out but there was plenty of opportunity for everybody to view and photograph the Little Blue Penguins. I’d give this experience a 6 Star rating if there was such a thing! We opted for the tour with transport because being from North American, driving on the “wrong side” of the road at night didn’t seem like such a good idea. I am so glad a booking with transportation was possible!
  • 791reneev
    791reneev
    0
    0
    Watch blue penguins coming home after a day hard work
    We had a great time! They promised us penguins and we got them! At about 9 pm the parents came home and the chicks welcomed them. As an introduction we were lectured about how Māori discovered the country without a compass. We furthermore learned about the blue penguin life. After that we went to the special lookout to watch the arrival of the penguins. Because it is very windy, thus cold, you are advised to wear warm clothes
  • Javman88
    Javman88
    0
    0
    Better than expected
    Fantastic experience for the whole family. Highly recommend. Be aware that the climb back up the stairs may be a little tough for elderly or people with walking difficulties. We went in October when the sun goes down at about 8:30pm. If you go later in the year the penguins will be out later (10pm), so may not suit young kids. Very professional set up, with top class viewing platform with lights make this a must do in Dunedin.
  • CeciVedsted
    CeciVedsted
    0
    0
    Wonderful viewing og little blue penguins
    We had a great experience going on an evening tour to watch the little blue penguins returning from the sea. Our guides were passionate and contributed to a fabulous night.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions

5.0
149 reviews
Excellent
148
Very good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0

Hui
Dunedin, New Zealand1 contribution
Jul 2022
We came to the Royal Albatross Center not long after the winter solstice this month. The viewing time is much earlier, around 4 to 7 pm in winter. It is really suitable for my toddler and preschool kid. It is out of our expectation, as totally there were nearly 40 penguins showing up from the sea, and walking in front of us. We felt so amazed to see the penguins in the wild, and witnessed their trip back to nests. Our only viewing experience with penguins were from Auckland Zoo. It was so exciting to view them in the real nature environment. The weather was awesome on that day. We can roughly see the milky way, as well as a moving light spot, International Space Station. Besides the viewing tour, we were able to learn the local geography and history related to the tour, observe the plants, and learn about the volunteering projects about the ecological protection. Thanks you Lyndon and Leon for your guided tour. What a wonderful evening!
Written July 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yay ! Thanks Hui, we saw so much that night, stars, international space station, plants, history and plenty of penguins up close. Nothing quite like seeing them in their environment!! Cheers and great photos too !! Lyndon
Written July 13, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Tinnythepooh
Singapore, Singapore240 contributions
We enjoyed the evening tour very much. We saw a lot of cute blue penguins on the viewing platform and took loads of nice photos and videos. The tour started at 845pm with an excellent introductory talk and then we went down to the platform at the beach to see the little blue penguins. We also bought a blue penguin soft toy at NZD25 to bring it home as a happy memory. If you are in Dunedin, highly recommend you to join this evening tour for an unforgettable experience!
Written December 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora, Thanks for visiting us the other night! Glad your family had such a great time with our penguins and the whole experience Many thanks Lyndon
Written December 10, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

DiannaSparrowLee
1 contribution
Mar 2022
Precious moments, such an incredible experience! Lyndon was a wonderful guide - so informative, resourcing us with all the knowledge of the area, the wildlife, robust native plants that have stood the test of time. The cutest little fellas I’ve ever seen the blue penguins at Pukekura. Loved the way he presented the informative evening, light hearted creating plenty laughs which provided a relaxed vibe so we could soak those cute penguins up with a bonus thredded milky way through the staylight sky. Can't wait to take my teens and share this heartwarming experience.
Written May 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks Dianna for such a great review! Yes winter time is a great time to visit, penguins coming in earlier than they do in summer and so often we get clear nights to see the night sky. It all adds to a tour designed around penguins and other wildlife, history and botany. Cheers Lyndon
Written May 6, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Gregory D
1 contribution
Had such an amazing experience, like nothing I've ever seen before! Watching the penguins come in from the water and rush across the sand was so incredible, and learning about the penguin population and breeding successes was so interesting. Lyndon was a fantastic guide who was so knowledgeable and answered all my questions. I would very highly recommend anyone visiting Dunedin go on this tour, it was the highlight of my trip!
Written August 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Greg for coming and supporting the work we do on this site. We try to ensure this is an experience people will remember, so we love it when we here it was the best thing they did ! Cheers Lyndon
Written August 26, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Angela Hawthorne
Dunedin, New Zealand7 contributions
Mar 2022 • Friends
I found the information on the history of the land very interesting. We had a beautiful still evening and it was magical to watch seals playing in the bay. The blue penguins were absolutely gorgeous, I felt very privileged to observe such a stunning creature so close up. Lyndon's banter about daily penguin life was absolutely hlarious! Highly recommend it, if you're lucky you'll get the added bonus of Albatross flying overhead and a stunning night sky including the Milky way!
Written March 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora Angela, we did have a great night with penguins and other wildlife to see and excellent views of the night sky which at times can be absolutely stunning !! cheers Lyndon
Written March 27, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Michael H
San Francisco, CA18 contributions
Feb 2023
There are several penguin sites on the Otago Peninsula, but this is the only one with the little Blue Penguins. It is run in conjunction with the Albatross Centre and is extremely well set up and organized. The viewing platform allows you to get very close to the penguins and there is sufficient lighting for photos, so bring your good camera. The evening starts with a lecture which is very informative and useful, and the penguins come ashore after sunset.
Before you book, check with the operators about what to expect and when it starts. Our ticket said 8:30 pm start, but we were at the Albatross Centre earlier in the day and noticed the start time was 7:45 pm.
We saw about 60 penguins. Numbers go up and down through the seasons. In winter, as few as 10 penguins come ashore at night.
They're totally cute and fascinating and well worth the trip to the headland. This was the highlight of our time in Dunedin, for sure.
Written February 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks Micheal great summary of our tour, we live it when people clearly enjoyed the whole experience! Cheers Lyndon
Written February 16, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Emma A
Dunedin, New Zealand4 contributions
Apr 2022 • Friends
Beautiful experience, and we saw heaps of little penguins! They are so cute when they make their way just a few meters away from us to their little homes. Our tour guide taught us about the area, the Maori culture, plants and the penguins. I personally would have appreciated even further information about the penguins, their life cycle, food, predators and habitat range, reproduction etc, but the tour still keeps a high standard (included info about the penguins, I am just a bit nerdy and wanted even more) with a very passionate guides, that also gave us a little snack :)
This is a tour and experience I highly recommend.
Written May 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks Emma, we love it too when people enjoy soaking up the information, there's a lot to talk about and see ! Cheers Lyndon
Written May 8, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Roy B
Dunedin, New Zealand1 contribution
Sep 2022
What a wonderful tour, so well organised and very informative. We had been to the Albatross colony a year or so earlier and didn't realise the penguin tour was also available from virtually the same site. Again we were not disappointed and almost like clock work over 100 penguins in groups of 20 emerged from the surf with their white chests visible in the darkness. We were surprised at how quickly they crossed the beach and came right up to the viewing platform which was well lit so you could easily view them at close range. Although it was early in the breading season we were luckily enough to see some chicks being fed. Our thanks to the guides who were so helpful throughout the evening.
We have already recommended the tour to many of our friends.
Written September 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you. There are loads of wildlife to be seen at this end of the Otago Peninsula. So glad you enjoyed it, and yes penguins try to run fast while crossing the beach! Cheers Lyndon
Written October 1, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Cecily C
5 contributions
Dec 2022 • Friends
This was one of the highlights of the 3 week trip my daughter and I went on to New Zealand in November and December of 2022. As our hotel was near the CBD we purchased the tickets that included transportation and the driver gave us a lot of great information and answered our questions as we headed out to the end of the peninsula where the Royal Albatross colony is located. We were able to get closeup photos of various tiny birds in their nests as well as albatross in flight before listening to a very informative talk about the Blue Penguin, which is the smallest penguin species in the world. It wasn't too long after we went out to the viewing platform that the penguins started coming ashore. As there was a big Sea Lion asleep very near the path the penguins needed to take to get to their nests in the dunes, the penguins were hesitant to try to get past but all it took was one real brave fellow to be the first and then everyone else followed. They didn't all come at the same time as there were different size groups swimming ashore. A few went under the platform we were on but most went up the dune a few feet away. A once in a lifetime experience!
Written February 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora, I remember that night with that sea lion too ! Thanks for sharing your experience Cheers Lyndon
Written February 16, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Marion W
30 contributions
Jun 2022 • Friends
This experience is an absolute must do. To see these tiny wee penguins come out of the ocean up onto the beach then clambering across the rocks up the little path to the safety of their nesting boxes for the night is truly amazing. Lyndon and Leon our guides are so passionate and knowledgeable about the penguins, and the other flora and fauna around this area. The are real advocates for the Blue Penguins which is very special indeed. Do not leave Dunedin without doing this, everyone should do this, it was absolutely fantastic. Thank you so much for a memorable experience.
Written June 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Marion, that's our aims very well summed up. We want to protect the land and the wildlife and give people an experience they will remember in the process !! Cheers Lyndon
Written June 25, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Showing results 1-10 of 142

Guided Evening Penguin Viewing Otago Peninsula, Dunedin, New Zealand provided by Blue Penguins Pukekura

Product Overview: Guided Evening Penguin Viewing Otago Peninsula, Dunedin, New Zealand

Prices From$0
Number of Reviews149
Number of Photos151
Duration90 minutes