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Blue Penguins Pukekura
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Blue Penguins Pukekura

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Blue Penguins Pukekura
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About
Discover Korora, the Little Blue Penguin, the world's smallest penguin. Enjoy close up viewing of penguins returning from a day at sea within the Takiharuru/Pilots Beach nature reserve at dusk on the Otago Peninsula. Viewing of the Little Blue Penguins is guaranteed and is an attraction not to be missed when visiting Dunedin, NZ's wildlife capital. The korora little blue penguin tour is hosted by local guides who share their knowledge on culture, history, botany and zoology of the area, an area which is of historical and significance to the descendants of Korako Karetai. Tours are currently running every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday evenings.
Dunedin, New Zealand
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Tours and Tickets by Blue Penguins Pukekura
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5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles431 reviews
Excellent
391
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35
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2
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1
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2
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Diane
Denver, CO1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Incredible experience if you love penguins and who doesn't?
Jan 2020
Seeing some of the smallest penguins in the world come in at dusk to go to their burrows after a day feeding at sea is an experience of a life time. It is not to be missed. I would go again in a heart beat. They are soooooo cute. They are also endangered. The fee helps maintain the visiting site and the burrowing ground. New Zealand is a world leader in conservation.
Written 6 February 2020
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.
OtagoPeninsulaTrust
Kia ora and thanks for taking the time to write a review. It's fantastic that you were glad you did the Blue Penguins Pukekura tour and enjoyed it so much. As a kaitiaki/guardian of the headland we are primarily driven by the conservation of all the species that call Pukekura home, including a joint venture with the Pukekura Trust to allow for Blue Penguin viewing for visitors. Pukekura is a precious wildlife refuge and we work with the local Maori Korako Karetai Trust to host visitors and protect the Blue Penguins. We love to share this special place and unique wildlife experiences with our visitors. The Blue Penguins Pukekura guided tour offers an informative, knowledgeable hosted experience for visitors. This includes a briefing on the experience, explanation of and insights into the lives of Blue Penguins and exclusive viewing from on the wildlife reserve. The cost of the tour contributes to the stewardship and protection of the Little Blue Penguins. It enables the Otago Peninsula Trust with the Pukekura Trust and Korako Karetai Trust, which all manages Blue Penguins Pukekura to continue to offer penguin experiences to the public, to offer education programmes to children including revegetation, habitat and penguin monitoring and pest control. We very much value to contribution that visitors are able to make to this precious wildlife sanctuary by supporting the Blue Penguins Pukekura and Royal Albatross Centre tours and activities. Hope you come again to visit the Little Blue Penguins at Pukekura, and take the chance to access the Albatross Colony reserve and experience one of our informative and enjoyable guided tours. All the best Sophie, Marketing Manager, Otago Peninsula Trust Enterprises PRESERVING AND ENHANCING OTAGO PENINSULA SINCE 1967
Written 10 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
KimandCliff
Auckland, New Zealand103 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
A Highlight Of Our Trip
Oct 2020 • Couples
We just visited for the penguins. We got to the Albatross Centre early so that we could have a look around the centre at the information on the Albatross & Penguins. (Takes about 1/2 an hour). Had a bite to eat at the cafe. Set off to see the penguins from the platform at dusk. Expedition was well organised. Our group was small (the joys of holidaying outside of school holiday time!). We saw over 100 penguins come ashore. They were very cute and entertaining.
Make sure you wrap up warm for this excursion because if a cold wind is blowing, it is freezing!
The guides were very friendly.
Really happy to recommend.
Written 20 October 2020
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.
OtagoPeninsulaTrust
Kia ora and thanks for taking the time to write a review. It's fantastic that you were glad you did the Blue Penguins Pukekura tour and enjoyed it so much. As a kaitiaki/guardian of the headland we are primarily driven by the conservation of all the species that call Pukekura home, including a joint venture with the Pukekura Trust to allow for Blue Penguin viewing for visitors. Pukekura is a precious wildlife refuge and we work with the local Maori Korako Karetai Trust to host visitors and protect the Blue Penguins. We love to share this special place and unique wildlife experiences with our visitors. The Blue Penguins Pukekura guided tour offers an informative, knowledgeable hosted experience for visitors. This includes a briefing on the experience, explanation of and insights into the lives of Blue Penguins and exclusive viewing from on the wildlife reserve. The cost of the tour contributes to the stewardship and protection of the Little Blue Penguins. It enables the Otago Peninsula Trust with the Pukekura Trust and Korako Karetai Trust, which all manages Blue Penguins Pukekura to continue to offer penguin experiences to the public, to offer education programmes to children including revegetation, habitat and penguin monitoring and pest control. We very much value to contribution that visitors are able to make to this precious wildlife sanctuary by supporting the Blue Penguins Pukekura and Royal Albatross Centre tours and activities. Hope you come again to visit the Little Blue Penguins at Pukekura, and take the chance to access the Albatross Colony reserve and experience one of our informative and enjoyable guided tours. All the best Chris, Operations Manager, Otago Peninsula Trust Enterprises PRESERVING AND ENHANCING OTAGO PENINSULA SINCE 1967
Written 9 January 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Snowleopard2015
Gistel, Belgium6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Unforgettable
Dec 2023 • Couples
This was certainly one of the highlights of our trip, seeing the penguins come out of the water and go to their nest after a day at sea, not many places in the world where you can experience this.
The tour of course starts in the evening, because they only return to land after sunset.
First you get an interesting explanation about the penguins and their living habits and then you go to a platform near the sea, the walk to it is not far, but there are a few stairs.
And then we have to wait...it didn't take long before the first group came out of the sea, very cute to see them "waddling" on the beach, we saw about 200 in total. They pass really close and you can see them well because very subtle lighting has been placed.
Very competent guides that you can also ask questions to.
It is a 45 minute drive back to Dunedin city afterwards (approximately 10.30 pm) but the road is good so don't let this stop you.
Provide windproof clothing because you are standing by the sea, so it can be quite windy and cool.
Be sure to book in advance because it is usually sold out.
Google
Written 29 January 2024
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.
Lyndon
Kia ora and thank you so much for taking the time to review us, we sincerely appreciate your review Cheers Lyndon
Written 1 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MKR61
Macclesfield, UK63 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Disappointing Evening Even Though Penguins Were There, Would Not Recommend It
Mar 2020 • Couples
We had a great experience on the albatross tour earlier in the evening but sadly the penguin tour at 8.15pm was very disappointing because of the number of participants. We did see some penguins but that was mainly through the railings or over other people's shoulders. There were far too many people on the tour (I believe the maximum is 90) as the penguins which did arrive generally trod the same path up the beach and then disappeared onto a path to the left of the viewing platform. The guides did their best to encourage visitors to move round but it simply did not work and there is not enough room for everyone to get a space at the railing. Even when the guides spoke up, they were drowned out by the wind. I have seen some reviews receive an answer saying our contribution to the penguins' conservation is appreciated, which is great. However, the tour is naturally a bigger revenue generator if more people are persuaded to go, and I would not recommend it. In fact I would have paid more if the numbers attending were smaller. The large numbers of people and lack of viewing opportunities spoilt our excellent day.
Written 10 March 2020
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.
OtagoPeninsulaTrust
Kia ora Thanks so much for your feedback - we are certainly bringing this up at board level and will discuss further. Thats a good idea to think about the price/numbers opportunities thank you We really appreciate your taking the time to pass this message on to us. All the best Sophie, Marketing Manager, Otago Peninsula Trust Enterprises PRESERVING AND ENHANCING OTAGO PENINSULA SINCE 1967
Written 16 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Izzy G
Warkworth, New Zealand4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Little blue penguins
Jan 2022 • Friends
What an amazing experience. The guides were friendly and knew the whakapapa of the whenua. Very informative information about the trees, plants and wild life. Had a real rare experience watching a sea lion camouflage itself and chasing a couple of the blue penguins. The weather was amazing and also seeing the little blue penguins.
Written 11 January 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.
Lyndon
Kia ora Izzy, what an amazing night it was ! Thank you so much for your review we really do appreciate it Cheers Lyndon
Written 11 January 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Charles K
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Awesome experience
Jan 2022 • Family
The penguin encounter was the high spot of our holiday! We loved seeing them emerge in little groups from the surf and waddle up the beach! We also had the privilege of seeing one brave little penguin battle off a juvenile sea lion to escape unscathed up the beach. Absolutely amazing! The guides were very knowledgeable and pleasant. The whole thing very well done. We loved it and would recommend it to anyone visiting the Otago Peninsula
And thank you for looking out for my husband with his crutch.!
Kind Regards Allison & family
Written 13 January 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.
Lyndon
Kia ora Allison, what a night it was ! Plucky little penguin stood up to that sea lion at one point before escaping. Glad you enjoyed the whole experience, we think the changes we have made to the tour this year add more interest to the visitors experience. Really do appreciate you taking the time to review us ! Cheers Lyndon
Written 13 January 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Valerie
Willenhall, UK69 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Totally Amazing to See Tiny Blue Penguins
Feb 2020 • Couples
Picked up in Dunedin town taken to Royal Albatross & Penguin Centre had a talk off guide before being taken down to the platform to watch the Blue Penguins come out of sea onto beach making their way up to nest boxes. A truly amazing and exciting experience.
Staff so very helpful
Jay our guide was great he took us back to hotel.
Written 11 February 2020
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.
OtagoPeninsulaTrust
Kia ora and thanks for taking the time to write a review. It's fantastic that you were glad you did the Blue Penguins Pukekura tour and enjoyed it so much. I'll certainly pass your lovely comments back to the team, especially Jie As a kaitiaki/guardian of the headland we are primarily driven by the conservation of all the species that call Pukekura home, including a joint venture with the Pukekura Trust to allow for Blue Penguin viewing for visitors. Pukekura is a precious wildlife refuge and we work with the local Maori Korako Karetai Trust to host visitors and protect the Blue Penguins. We love to share this special place and unique wildlife experiences with our visitors. The Blue Penguins Pukekura guided tour offers an informative, knowledgeable hosted experience for visitors. This includes a briefing on the experience, explanation of and insights into the lives of Blue Penguins and exclusive viewing from on the wildlife reserve. The cost of the tour contributes to the stewardship and protection of the Little Blue Penguins. It enables the Otago Peninsula Trust with the Pukekura Trust and Korako Karetai Trust, which all manages Blue Penguins Pukekura to continue to offer penguin experiences to the public, to offer education programmes to children including revegetation, habitat and penguin monitoring and pest control. We very much value to contribution that visitors are able to make to this precious wildlife sanctuary by supporting the Blue Penguins Pukekura and Royal Albatross Centre tours and activities. Hope you come again to visit the Little Blue Penguins at Pukekura, and take the chance to access the Albatross Colony reserve and experience one of our informative and enjoyable guided tours. All the best Sophie, Marketing Manager, Otago Peninsula Trust Enterprises PRESERVING AND ENHANCING OTAGO PENINSULA SINCE 1967
Written 16 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
EnjoyedThis
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Highly recommended
Jan 2022 • Family
Great experience. We were able to see between 150 and 200 penguins. While we waiting for the penguins to arrive, our very experienced guide gave a talk about ghe penguins and about the recently planted native plants surrounding the beach .
Written 11 January 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.
Lyndon
Kia ora, Thanks so much for the review, great to see those numbers of birds at this time if the year and that you enjoyed hearing about the great restoration work going on at the penguin habitat at Takiharuru. Many thanks Lyndon
Written 11 January 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Judy C
Queenstown, New Zealand3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Fabulous!
Feb 2020 • Couples
We are so glad we made the effiort to view the Little Blue Penguins at Harrington Point/Pukekura.
It was really fantastic and well organised. Everyone was given a chance to see them and it was amazing to see them arrive!
It was a reasonably long drive out there at night from Dunedin but so memorable!
Written 27 February 2020
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.
OtagoPeninsulaTrust
Kia ora and thanks for taking the time to write a review. It's fantastic that you were glad you did the Blue Penguins Pukekura tour and enjoyed it so much. As a kaitiaki/guardian of the headland we are primarily driven by the conservation of all the species that call Pukekura home, including a joint venture with the Pukekura Trust to allow for Blue Penguin viewing for visitors. Pukekura is a precious wildlife refuge and we work with the local Maori Korako Karetai Trust to host visitors and protect the Blue Penguins. We love to share this special place and unique wildlife experiences with our visitors. The Blue Penguins Pukekura guided tour offers an informative, knowledgeable hosted experience for visitors. This includes a briefing on the experience, explanation of and insights into the lives of Blue Penguins and exclusive viewing from on the wildlife reserve. The cost of the tour contributes to the stewardship and protection of the Little Blue Penguins. It enables the Otago Peninsula Trust with the Pukekura Trust and Korako Karetai Trust, which all manages Blue Penguins Pukekura to continue to offer penguin experiences to the public, to offer education programmes to children including revegetation, habitat and penguin monitoring and pest control. We very much value to contribution that visitors are able to make to this precious wildlife sanctuary by supporting the Blue Penguins Pukekura and Royal Albatross Centre tours and activities. Hope you come again to visit the Little Blue Penguins at Pukekura, and take the chance to access the Albatross Colony reserve and experience one of our informative and enjoyable guided tours. All the best Sophie, Marketing Manager, Otago Peninsula Trust Enterprises PRESERVING AND ENHANCING OTAGO PENINSULA SINCE 1967
Written 16 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Renee v
40 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Watch blue penguins coming home after a day hard work
Oct 2022 • Couples
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
Written 28 October 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.
Lyndon
Thank you Renee, we think it's a pretty special experience too and love it when people get a much deeper understanding of the history of the area as well as up close views of penguins too Cheers Lyndon
Written 30 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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