South Pacific
New Zealand
South Island
Otago Region
Dunedin
Things to do in Dunedin
Penguin Place

Penguin Place, Dunedin: Address, Phone Number, Penguin Place Reviews: 4.5/5

See all things to do

Penguin Place

See all things to do
See all things to do
Penguin Place
4.5
943
#14 of 100 things to do in Dunedin
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Read more
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.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Top ways to experience Penguin Place and nearby attractions

Popular mentions
4.5
943 reviews
Excellent
630
Very good
198
Average
61
Poor
26
Terrible
28
Lifeisbetterwithabackpack.com
Bali, Indonesia45 contributions
Passionate Guides, awesome tour!
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!
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
Amazing experience to see close up
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.
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
Amazing penguin sanctuary and conservation facility.
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!
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
In one word, Heart warming 😊
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 .
Written 19 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ginny33200
Libourne, France10 contributions
What a treat to view several native species in the wild!
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
Saw the wild penguins in the last minute
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
Such a privilege to visit
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
Ainsley is super!
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
Wonderful tour guide, stunning location and a good cause
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
Don't miss Penguin Place
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.
2
…
Showing results 1-10 of 801
Anything missing or inaccurate?
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
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