Penguin Place, Dunedin: Address, Phone Number, Penguin Place Reviews: 4.5/5
Penguin Place
Penguin Place
4.5
About
Penguin Place is a private conservation effort to help save the world's most endangered penguin, the Yellow Eyed Penguin. Visitors are taken on guided walking tours through a unique system of trenches and hides to view the penguins undisturbed at close range. Penguin Place is funded 100% by the support of our visitors, this funding enables habitat restoration, predator control, a research programme and on-site rehabilitation for sick, starving and wounded penguins. It is our hope that through our efforts, the future of this rare and wonderful penguin will be assured.
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4.5
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Lifeisbetterwithabackpack.com
Bali, Indonesia45 contributions
Apr 2022
I had the best time with Penguin Place and would definitely go there again. Even tho I was the only one that booked the tour, they welcomed me warmly and showed me around with the most passionate eagerness I've ever seen in a tour. They really care to give you the best time and make the most out of your tour. Because my guide (sorry I forgot your name, lovely woman living close by) was so keen to make me see some of the wild yellow-eyed penguins up close, we spotted them at one end in the water and were able to jog through the tunnels to make it back in time, when they were walking out. Such an incredible experience to see them in the wild!
On the other side, they're doing a really good job with their "penguin hospital" where they feed underweight ones and rescue them after injuries - and it's great for customers to see them up close, as you can never assume to see them in the wild: in the end it's all nature. So it's nice to have this back-up option of seeing one - and there are many! Great Photo Op, too!
Loved this tour, will definitely recommend!
On the other side, they're doing a really good job with their "penguin hospital" where they feed underweight ones and rescue them after injuries - and it's great for customers to see them up close, as you can never assume to see them in the wild: in the end it's all nature. So it's nice to have this back-up option of seeing one - and there are many! Great Photo Op, too!
Loved this tour, will definitely recommend!
Written 18 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
zeeba1
Auckland Central, New Zealand146 contributions
Mar 2022 • Friends
It was 20 years ago we did this tour .
So again we pre booked the late afternoon tour as best time to see any penguins in the wild.
We had a wonderful tour through the penguin rehabilitation area and saw many happy large penguins awaiting release back into the wild. You do a fantastic job.
It is sad to see how many need help due to being underweight from no fish in the sea for food.
We went into the bus for a tour around the land to see some in the wild and sea lions.
So again we pre booked the late afternoon tour as best time to see any penguins in the wild.
We had a wonderful tour through the penguin rehabilitation area and saw many happy large penguins awaiting release back into the wild. You do a fantastic job.
It is sad to see how many need help due to being underweight from no fish in the sea for food.
We went into the bus for a tour around the land to see some in the wild and sea lions.
Written 12 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
W8677INrachell
Lower Hutt, New Zealand12 contributions
Jan 2022 • Family
We had Jason guide us on what turned out to be a private tour - not by design - but because we were the only ones booked in for the session.
We saw juvenile and baby penguins in the sanctuary and learned about what sort of misfortunes cause the birds to be there.
Jason also explained how Penguin Place and the Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust work together to look after the population and ensure the species survival.
After this we went on a bus ride across farmland to the area where penguins can be viewed (if lucky enough!) through the extensive networks of trenches and lookout points, which have all been designed to ensure visitors and staff can quietly observe without disturbing the penguins.
We had a brief glimpse of a chick and plenty of time to observe a parent who stood quite still after feeding their baby. We also saw seals.
The whole facility is incredibly impressive, and you could totally feel the passion the staff have for what they do. Would 100% recommend to family groups, couples, solo travelers and anyone who is interested in penguins or conservation in general. Thanks so much Jason!
We saw juvenile and baby penguins in the sanctuary and learned about what sort of misfortunes cause the birds to be there.
Jason also explained how Penguin Place and the Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust work together to look after the population and ensure the species survival.
After this we went on a bus ride across farmland to the area where penguins can be viewed (if lucky enough!) through the extensive networks of trenches and lookout points, which have all been designed to ensure visitors and staff can quietly observe without disturbing the penguins.
We had a brief glimpse of a chick and plenty of time to observe a parent who stood quite still after feeding their baby. We also saw seals.
The whole facility is incredibly impressive, and you could totally feel the passion the staff have for what they do. Would 100% recommend to family groups, couples, solo travelers and anyone who is interested in penguins or conservation in general. Thanks so much Jason!
Written 22 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
mark
New Plymouth, New Zealand1 contribution
Jan 2022 • Friends
If a pure love for nature is anything go by our tour guide Erin comes out with flying colours
Erin’s Knowledge and passion for the protection of the native Hoiho or yellow eyed penguin is outstanding
It could only be said a pleasure it was to have her as our guide
The Penguin place, is a wonderful example of rehabilitation, in looking out for this rare and very important native species .
Erin’s Knowledge and passion for the protection of the native Hoiho or yellow eyed penguin is outstanding
It could only be said a pleasure it was to have her as our guide
The Penguin place, is a wonderful example of rehabilitation, in looking out for this rare and very important native species .
Written 19 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ginny33200
Libourne, France10 contributions
Jul 2021
Our family visited the Penguin Place during the July school holidays. Our guide Paula was friendly and informative and conveyed her great love of animals and her work. It was amazing to see the impact of the conservation work that has been carried out on the property over many decades. We were very pleased to catch glimpses of a few little blue penguins in their nests, and to walk alongside a number of seals, but we were delighted to watch 3 yellow-eyed penguins make their way up the beach to their nesting area and observe a 4th penguin in its nest. A wonderful experience, highly recommended.
Written 22 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Minli
8 contributions
Apr 2021 • Family
Awesome tour, firstly watched yellow eyed penguins in the rehab center then went to the beach to test our luck! After a nearly two hours wait, finally saw 3 wild yellow eyed penguins coming back home, soooooo exciting! Saw fur seals and sea lions, and interesting observatory tunnel too. Highly recommended!
Written 20 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
amandaaA6674MT
75 contributions
Mar 2021
This was a real highlight of our trip. The staff are incredibly passionate and dedicated in caring for these endangered birds. We were extremely fortunate to be able to see a yellow-eyed penguin returning from sea to his burrow from their observation trenches. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and the tour was very informative. Highly recommend.
Written 30 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Emily
7 contributions
Aug 2020
Ainsley was a wonderful and informative tour guide and is clearly incredibly passionate about what she does. We were told there was a slight chance we wouldn't see penguins, but were lucky enough to see five or six of them! Absolutely thrilled with the experience and definitely recommend.
Written 18 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Kate M
3 contributions
Feb 2021
Ainslie our tour guide was what made this tour really special. Her genuine, heartfelt love of nature was really touching. We didn't happen to see penguins in the wild the day we went but it didn't matter. We had an absolutely magic moment of watching seal pups play in the waves. The situation for yellow eyed penguins is heartbreaking. The money spent visiting Penguin Place goes to looking after hungry and injured penguins. Well worth a visit.
Written 8 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
MMW
Auckland, New Zealand29 contributions
Jan 2021
Penguin Place is a must. They do a fantastic job, and provide a unique opportunity to get close to the endangered yellow-eyed penguins. Jason was our friendly and very knowledgeable guide and gave us a informative and interesting tour of their penguin hospital - about 40 of them? We were also lucky enough to see one yellow eyed penguin in the wild, and one Hooker's sea lion and cub in search of adventure. These guys are fully funded by visitors, so help them out, do the tour, see loads of penguins, learn a lot, leave a donation, and save a species. Thanks, Maurice and Karen
Written 31 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Oscar Preuss
Wellington, New Zealand23 contributions
How close to the Penguin's eye level is the hide, as it's only worth taking photos if you're at a similar level to the Penguin.
pd7
Harlow, UK576 contributions
the hides vary in height but the photo opportunities are very good. we first got close up to the penguins in the sanctuary area. then we took the bus over to the west side and there are hides & a network of 'open tunnels' right across the cliff tops and also open areas allowing views of the beach.
Elizabeth A
Yelm, WA53 contributions
Can you actually get close to the penguins or is this a tour behind a fence/barrier etc? Like a zoo?
jacso22
San Diego, CA17 contributions
It’s almost the reverse. The Penguins are in the wild, and you are hidden in a trench. The penguin we saw was about 15 feet from us, but it could not see us as we were hidden.
HI, I have a 3 years old and 1 year old, is the tour a long walk and want to check if pram allowed? Want to teach kids about penguin :)
RandomAz
Whangarei, New Zealand8 contributions
I'm sorry i have not been on this site for a long time. The pram would of only got you so far. I do hope you went and enjoyed the tour.
craig r
Terrigal, Australia24 contributions
hi Cazellie and others! what tour did u do and what did it cost pls?
how long was it - we don't want to be there all day . . . we would board at Port Chalmers if possible
Advise from staff is welcome too! :-) thnx Craig
ChristianSuiMex
Adliswil, Switzerland254 contributions
Hi, we went with Monarch Cruise from Dunedin port at 13h. They didn't pick up at Port Chalmers when we where there but you maybe can ask them. We paid aprox 260 nzd for our family of 2 adults and 2 little boys. Tip: we had a 10% Rankers app discount! Regards
GreenQueenColleen
San Francisco, CA196 contributions
I have a choice of 9:30 am or 1 pm. What time do you think would be best. I have read evening is the best. The sun sets rather late there so I am perplexed...
penguinplace
Dunedin, New Zealand
Our first tour is 10.15 am. At this time of year both this and the 1.15pm tour are likely to be similar. For bookings and enquiries contact us via our website. Thanks
Frequently Asked Questions about Penguin Place
- We recommend booking Penguin Place tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 5 Penguin Place tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Penguin Place:
- Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula Wildlife Tour (From $206.46)
- Dunedin and Otago Peninsula Wildlife Tour with Optional Larnach Castle Visit (From $206.46)
- Dunedin City and Otago Peninsula Small-Group Tour (From $211.76)
- Dunedin City Highlights, Otago Peninsula Scenery & a Guided Penguin Reserve Tour (From $246.74)
- Private Guided Tour of Dunedin City Heritage and Unique Wildlife and Scenery (From $981.29)
- Hotels near Penguin Place:
- (0.00 km) Penguin Place Lodge
- (0.30 km) Harington Point Village Motels
- (8.45 km) Hereweka Garden Retreat
- (7.63 km) Portobello Motel Cottages
- (10.62 km) Larnach Castle Lodge
- Restaurants near Penguin Place:
- (7.65 km) 1908 Restaurant
- (14.02 km) Glenfalloch Garden Cafe and Restaurant
- (8.38 km) Carey's Bay Historic Hotel
- (7.71 km) Portobello Hotel & Bistro
- (10.71 km) Ballroom Cafe at Larnach Castle