Blue Penguins Pukekura

Blue Penguins Pukekura is a must-visit attraction for anyone traveling to Dunedin, New Zealand.

Located at 1245 Harington Point Road, Dunedin Central, the reserve is a highly significant site to Maori, and it is dedicated to the protection of the land and the increase of wildlife diversity. The tour offers a unique opportunity to observe the Little Blue Penguins, the world's smallest penguin species, in their natural habitat.

The tour starts at dusk, and visitors can enjoy close-up views of up to 200 penguins returning from the sea to the Takiharuru/Pilots Beach nature reserve. The tour includes a special “behind the scenes” walk through the reserve prior to the birds emerging from the sea. Here, visitors can learn about the significance of this site to Maori, see the habitat of the penguins, and learn about other flora and fauna found within the wildlife reserve. The tour also includes a fascinating 'Behind the scenes walk' to learn about significant cultural aspects, penguin biology, and habitat restoration work funded by the tours.

The tour is hosted by local guides who share their knowledge on culture, history, botany, and zoology of the area. The guides are passionate about the conservation of the penguins and the environment, and they provide an informative and engaging experience for visitors. Visitors can watch from a purpose-built observation deck as korora (little penguins) scurry up the beach to reach their burrows only a few meters away. Viewing of the Little Blue Penguins is guaranteed, and this is an attraction not to be missed when visiting Dunedin, New Zealand's wildlife capital.

Getting to Blue Penguins Pukekura is easy. Visitors can drive themselves and allow 60 minutes from Central Dunedin. The attraction is also listed as one of the top 10 best experiences in New Zealand on TripAdvisor in 2022. Visitors can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund. In summary, Blue Penguins Pukekura is a unique and unforgettable experience that offers visitors the opportunity to observe the Little Blue Penguins in their natural habitat. This attraction is a must-visit when traveling to Dunedin, New Zealand.