Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony
Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony
Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony
4
5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Monday
5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Friday
5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Full view
About
The Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony provides visitors with an opportunity to see little penguins in their natural environment. In the evening, visitors are captivated by watching the nightly arrival of penguins from their days fishing at sea. The Colony is a tourism operation with a strong research and conservation focus. At the core of the operation is a long-term conservation programme that ensures the penguins are protected and that the population achieves long-term stability. An important and unique part of that conservation programme is the Colony's Research Scientist who is now one of New Zealand’s leading little penguin experts. PLEASE NOTE: We have a strict arrangement for bookings. To ensure we can manage the viewing safely, if you wish to come to the colony you must pre-book at least 24 hours in advance. As we do not know the potential number of visitors per night in the coming months, we will not open if we do not have customers, so you must pre-book. Thank you.
Oamaru, New Zealand
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2023
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Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony
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(136 reviews)
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
993 reviews
Excellent
510
Very good
275
Average
95
Poor
57
Terrible
56
olivia b
Christchurch, New Zealand56 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
The penguins were awesome.
The service and overall experience qas not, unfotunately.
The guides were Loyd obnoxious, blocked people's view and at points scared away the penguins.
There were also 2 fences (wooden one which was necessary) however tall black metal fence served no purpose other than to further obstruct your view.
Recommend seeing penguins elsewhere (Otago peninsula).
If you must see them in Oamaru pay $10 extra f lremium experience which was unfortunately not available to us.
If you walk around Oamaru peninsulaat night you can also see them for free.
The service and overall experience qas not, unfotunately.
The guides were Loyd obnoxious, blocked people's view and at points scared away the penguins.
There were also 2 fences (wooden one which was necessary) however tall black metal fence served no purpose other than to further obstruct your view.
Recommend seeing penguins elsewhere (Otago peninsula).
If you must see them in Oamaru pay $10 extra f lremium experience which was unfortunately not available to us.
If you walk around Oamaru peninsulaat night you can also see them for free.
Written 10 December 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.
Maree R
Christchurch, New Zealand1 152 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
We booked the wrong night, but a phone call cleared that up. We were to late for the premium seating and I asked if it was an easy visit for someone with mobility issues as my husband has a leg in a cast and is using a wheeled trolly for that leg, oh yes they replied. Well the wheels and gravel were not a good mix and the view from the bottom seating was terrible as you are looking through fencing, also not 1 disabled car park near the entrance.
The penguins however, played their part perfectly, arrived, waited and then ran through past toward their burrows. The crowd was large and people were standing, talking and taking photos even after being asked not to...
The penguins however, played their part perfectly, arrived, waited and then ran through past toward their burrows. The crowd was large and people were standing, talking and taking photos even after being asked not to...
Written 21 November 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.
Pippa H
London, UK76 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
The best way to guarantee you will see some adorable penguins! Loved getting to see the penguins run up the beach and dry off before heading back into their homes. Definitely get there early as we saw a couple of keen beans get there early, as well as lots of fur seals. Also that way you can get the seats you want as they are unreserved. We went for the premium seating, where you dont get to see the penguins in the water as easily, but you see them much closer as they come up into their homes as that's where the gaps in the fence is. Aim to be in the front by the grass, as that's where they spend more time under the board walk. We saw about 100 in October. It's nice that you can ask questions to the staff, and they give you a bit of info over the mic at the start, but also if you get there a bit early there is some information in the centre which is worth spending 15 mins reading before you go in. Just make sure to check what time you need to go as it varied with time of year because they like to come up after the sun sets.
Written 10 November 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.
Kim H
12 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
We made a special trip to Oamaru to see these little guys come home at night to sleep in the hillside burrows. We opted for the more expensive, closer viewing area and we were not disappointed. It was about 8:30pm when they came marching ashore and waddled into the colony's enclosed area to their sleeping burrows. Over the top cute and they make the funniest little calls! This is also a research center for studying these little guys - all very interesting. I highly recommend - good for kids too.
Written 2 November 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.
SuzW66
Brisbane, Australia252 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
We paid for the premium seats and I thought it was worth it. The majority of the penguins come up from the beach right in front of the premium seating. That said, it looked like you also got a good view from the general seating area. The premium area probably had more comfortable seating. It’s also great to be able to walk back along the board walk and see the penguins settle into their burrows. I’d highly recommend seeing the penguins, regardless of which option you choose. You will need to rug up as it is cold!
Written 22 October 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.
TR82
Brisbane212 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
We came to Oamaru for the Penguin experience at $115 for the family it was quite expensive but I can reconcile this by knowing a lot of it goes to conservation efforts.
Any night can be between 50-350 penguins and we had about 110 that night, you will also see some seals lounging around.
Not much else at the centre.
There are some strict rules about staying seated and not using cameras which a bunch of tourists completely and rudely ignored even though the hosts asked them repeatedly.
There is premium seating where a lot more penguins go past (probably 80% of them) although I struggle to see the value for the $.
Most of the crowd left after 45mins and we hung around for another 20 and a few penguins came back around which was interesting.
Tips- rug up as it is about 5 degrees colder at the point, get in early ( at least half hr) it makes for a long night but guarantees a good seat
Any night can be between 50-350 penguins and we had about 110 that night, you will also see some seals lounging around.
Not much else at the centre.
There are some strict rules about staying seated and not using cameras which a bunch of tourists completely and rudely ignored even though the hosts asked them repeatedly.
There is premium seating where a lot more penguins go past (probably 80% of them) although I struggle to see the value for the $.
Most of the crowd left after 45mins and we hung around for another 20 and a few penguins came back around which was interesting.
Tips- rug up as it is about 5 degrees colder at the point, get in early ( at least half hr) it makes for a long night but guarantees a good seat
Written 1 October 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.
Clairicles
Seminyak, Indonesia27 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
This was possibly one of the weirdest attractions I have ever visited. On the plus side, we saw loads of penguins and a tonne of seals. They were a joy to watch.
The downsides, though? The price is an obvious one. There are two tiers - the general admission which is almost $50 per person and then a premium admission where you get to sit closer. Perhaps the best thing about these ‘premium’ tickets is that you are not under the stern eyes of the staff.
Next, the vibe of the whole thing. The staff let you know that electronic devices are strictly prohibited, including cameras and phones. Why? They never explain. I can totally understand a ban on flash photography but they police phones like there’s no tomorrow.
At our viewing, they made a family with an unsettled baby move into the back row as the noise might upset the penguins. This would make sense if they weren’t commentating the entire thing with a microphone.
I wouldn’t recommend.
The downsides, though? The price is an obvious one. There are two tiers - the general admission which is almost $50 per person and then a premium admission where you get to sit closer. Perhaps the best thing about these ‘premium’ tickets is that you are not under the stern eyes of the staff.
Next, the vibe of the whole thing. The staff let you know that electronic devices are strictly prohibited, including cameras and phones. Why? They never explain. I can totally understand a ban on flash photography but they police phones like there’s no tomorrow.
At our viewing, they made a family with an unsettled baby move into the back row as the noise might upset the penguins. This would make sense if they weren’t commentating the entire thing with a microphone.
I wouldn’t recommend.
Written 11 September 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.
Kate F
124 contributions
Sept 2023 • Solo
The evening was very cold so make sure you are well rugged up. A cushion or rug would be helpful as seats are cold!
The commentary was very informative and interesting. The penguins came in gradually over about an hour and a half. They were so cute and exhausted after their long swim home. Fascinating evening. We saw about 30 in total
The commentary was very informative and interesting. The penguins came in gradually over about an hour and a half. They were so cute and exhausted after their long swim home. Fascinating evening. We saw about 30 in total
Written 7 September 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.
Jadie Dempsey
13 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
This is such a great place to see wildlife up close! The staff are knowledgeable and respectful of the penguins and fur seals that visit Oamaru. When we arrived for the evening viewing, there were around 30 NZ fur seals resting on the rocks. Very unexpected. Throughout the viewing we saw 188 blue penguins come ashore. This is our 3rd visit in 18 years and the numbers are increasing each time. I'm pretty sure the first time we only saw around 35. Such a good example of safe human intervention to increase numbers.
We were lucky enough to have around 25-30 penguins come through the fencing and sneak through the middle of the stands.
I love that there are no photos or tech use allowed so that the penguins are not put off by lights from phones and cameras. Though maybe some more signage or discussions are needed as a few people had to be told more than once to turn their cameras off.
Lots of information is available in the main building before the viewing commences. These are amazing creatures and it's wonderful to be part of their world for a night. Thank you!
We were lucky enough to have around 25-30 penguins come through the fencing and sneak through the middle of the stands.
I love that there are no photos or tech use allowed so that the penguins are not put off by lights from phones and cameras. Though maybe some more signage or discussions are needed as a few people had to be told more than once to turn their cameras off.
Lots of information is available in the main building before the viewing commences. These are amazing creatures and it's wonderful to be part of their world for a night. Thank you!
Written 19 July 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.
Sophie
75 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
One of the best things we did in our trip to New Zealand, and totally coming worth all the way to oamaru for!! We got to get up close not just to the hundreds of penguins but also to lots of seals who were chilling on the grass near the viewing platform. The experience lasted way longer than i was expecting, with different groups of penguins arriving throughout the evening, and some of them even coming right up to us to get to their nesting boxes behind the viewing platform! We learnt a lot about penguin conservation as well, from the member of staff who was great and willing to chat to us even when most of the other guests had gone home. It was also lovely to be able to hear all the penguins in their nesting boxes on the way back to the car. Truly a very special and memorable experience.
Written 16 June 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.
V0yager1
Colchester41 contributions
Can you walk in the evening from Omaru?
Kathryn H
Oxford, UK34 contributions
Yes you could depending on where you are. Like the other person says, check on google maps if you are ok with the distance there and back. It is a bit dark and quiet in the evening but I am sure it would be fine. I had two children so they weren’t too impressed with walking and also we were up on the hills at the back of town rather than on the flat shore front
lesandallen
Chester, UK3 contributions
How many are there
LesleyAMacAskill
Christchurch, New Zealand15 contributions
There was close to 80 for the evening but lots hide too
chukarhead
el paso65 contributions
Were you able to see the penguins come out of the ocean from the Premium Seating area or did you only see them once they were on the ground and walking past to their homes?
Julie A
Sunshine Coast, Australia60 contributions
We were in the regular seating area; I actually think we had a better view of the penquins coming out of the ocean and climbing up the cliffs.
The premium seating in much closer to the area where the penquins make their dash from top of the cliff across a short grassy patch to their burrows , so at that stage viewers in the premium seating get a more close-up view.
Mahima A
Gurgaon111 contributions
your website showing premium seat ssold out for 23rd march but i m still able to book. should I book premium seats?
Tourism Waitaki
Oamaru, New Zealand3 contributions
best to phone or email the colony directly and check with them directly.
Mahima A
Gurgaon111 contributions
Hi,
We will be in Oamaru on March 23rd (if we get Visa on time). I need to know following:
1) when should I book the premium viewing tickets?
2) are the tickets refundable, in case our Visa doesnt come on time
3) what time can we expect to see penguins coming back to the colony
4) I have a back problem due to which i can not walk/climb steep heights. for reaching premium seating, do I need to climb or is it easily accessible?
Thanks
Wendy S
Oamaru, Otago, New Zealand7 contributions
Yes tickets can be refunded if you aren’t able to get your visa. The evening viewing starts at 8pm so the penguins should of start arriving between 8.15pm and 8.30pm. We count the penguins for one hour from the first penguin arriving. The walkway to the premium stand is an easy walk on the boardwalks. There are stairs in the stand.
Janice D
Sonoma County, CA3 contributions
how much is admission
Roaming Our Way
Fairplay, CO752 contributions
We chose to view the penguins from the levy by the beach for free, and we took pictures! Just have to walk around the restaurant to the beach and wait for the little guys to show up, usually right at 8:15pm. Use a tripod and a telephoto lens for good shots.
b0ysa
Rangiora, New Zealand4 contributions
would I see the penguins before 8pm as this is the time I need to leave
Wendy S
Oamaru, Otago, New Zealand7 contributions
Hi, at the moment the evening viewing starts at 6.30pm, this changes to 6pm on the 16th April. The penguins generally start arriving back from sea within 30 minutes of the start time. We count the penguins for one hour, from the time that the first penguin arrives. Hope this information helps.
Jimmy P
Fleming Island, FL360 contributions
I have tried emailing these people 5 times to confirm/change our reservation and have had no response. Has anyone else had this problem? Frustrating that the people running this place don't or won't answer their inquiries.
Wendy S
Oamaru, Otago, New Zealand7 contributions
Hi Jim, I'm the Operations Manager at the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony. I have checked with our resevations team, and can confirm that they have responded to each of your emails, however you don't seem to be receiving them. Can you check your junk mail box just in case they are going there. I ahve sent another repsonse this morning from my email address. Can you please confirm that you ahve received this. I can confirm that your reservation is confirmed for the 23 Nov.
sherylssteve
Vancouver, WA
How far is it from Christchurch?
Andrew H
London, UK48 contributions
I drove, leaving Christchurch at about 10am and arriving Oamaru mid afternoon.