When I was planning a two-month trip to New Zealand, I knew that many of my loose plans would involve zigzagging around the South Island looking for wildlife—fur seals on the coast, dolphins in the bays, and maybe even the elusive kiwi (the bird, not the fruit, though I consumed plenty of those too).
But one of the most memorable animal encounters came from an animal most people don’t even associate with New Zealand: the penguin.
As a former animal care specialist who used to work with African black-footed penguins (read: feed them and scrub their poo from the habitat with a toothbrush for ~3 hours day), I’d somehow never seen a penguin in the wild. So when friend from New Zealand mentioned that the South Island’s Oamaru—a flowering, part-Victorian coastal town—had a nightly penguin parade of the smallest penguin species in the world, I was already halfway into my penguin-printed pajamas and booking tickets.
Set against a the backdrop of pebbly beaches, Victorian buildings, and quirky steampunk sculptures, Oamaru is a fantastic, sustainable way to see the Little blue penguins (Eudyptula minor, or kororā in the native Maori language) up close as they emerge from the sea after a long day fishing and shuffle their way home across the rocks.
So if you’ve been Googling for a detailed Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony review or are simply wondering, “Where is the best place to see little blue penguins on the South Island?” this one is for you! Here’s my full Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony review—plus tips on when to go, how to get tickets, and what to expect when the lights go down.
Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony Review 2025
Where is the best place to see little blue penguins on the South Island?
The Oamaru Blue Penguin colony is the best place to see little blue penguins on the South Island. It’s the most accessible and reliable place to see them in large numbers, and is set up so you’re guaranteed a view without interfering with the penguin’s natural behaviors. The penguins literally waddle up from the sea past your seat and disappear under the boardwalk or into their rocky hideouts (where they presumably change into sweatpants and complain about the fish shortage.)
Yes, there are other wild places to maybe spot them (like Dunedin or Akaroa), but in Oamaru it’s guaranteed.
How much does it cost to visit the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony?
If you’re like me, you’re probably feeling a small twinge of disappointed that you have to buy a ticket to see the penguins instead of spotting them naturally on your own on a quiet beach.
But here’s the thing—this is a natural experience. The penguins are totally wild and go about their business just as they would anywhere else. The difference is that this setup protects them while giving you a great view of them! You’re not disturbing their habitat, blinding them with flash photography, or chasing them down a dark beach. You’re just quietly observing as they emerge from the sea at dusk, shake off the saltwater, and waddle home for the night. It’s responsibly adorable wildlife tourism done right.
There are 2 ticket options for visiting the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony:
- General Admission: $40 NZD per adult
- Premium Viewing: $48 NZD per adult
Spend the extra $8. Seriously. The premium section puts you up close, right where literally 100+ penguins march by. And be sure to book in advance—especially if you want premium seats. I waited too long and missed out, and honestly, I really regretted it! The premium section sells out quickly, especially in the summer months (December to February), so I recommend booking at least five days ahead or longer to avoid missing your chance.
Buy tickets to the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony experience here!
Can you take photos or videos of the penguins at Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony?
No—and for good reason.
Cameras and phones are strictly prohibited because bright lights and sounds can cause the penguins to get lost and confuse their way home! I know a lot of people can and do find this rule annoying, but once the waddling starts, you can enjoy being in the moment without worrying about capturing the moment.
What’s it like watching the penguins come ashore?
Honestly? A little cold, a little uncomfortable, and totally magical.
The viewing seats are hard plastic stadium-style chairs with no backs, so bring a scarf or something to sit on unless you enjoy having a numb butt. Dress warm, and don’t forget to pack your patience pants—penguins don’t operate on a strict schedule, and some nights they take their sweet time showing up.
But when they do, it’s worth the backache. They arrive in groups called rafts, emerge from the sea like tiny sea-soaked commuters, and waddle right past you with a sense of purpose and zero shame. Bonus: you may even see a New Zealand sea lion like we did!
Before the penguins show up, there’s a short educational presentation about the penguins’ nesting habits, mating rituals (spicy), threats to survival, and the conservation efforts at work in Oamaru. Presentations are delivered in both English and Mandarin.
What’s the best time to see blue penguins in Oamaru?
While you can see penguins all year round, the best time of year is spring through early summer (September–December), when numbers are higher and nesting activity is peaking.
What time do little blue penguins come ashore?
Little blue penguins usually come ashore just after sunset, once the light has faded enough to keep them safe from predators. In summer, that might be closer to 9 PM. In winter, more like 6 PM. Plan accordingly, and check with the colony ahead of time—they post estimated arrival times each day.
Be sure to arrive early to get a good seat if you’ve purchased the general admission ticket. These seats are first come, first serve!
What else is there to do in Oamaru?
Oamaru really surprised us and is a charming, weird little gem! We rolled in with our campervan just in time to see the penguins, parked overnight near the colony, and woke up to find one of the quirkiest towns in New Zealand!
The town is part Victorian village, part steampunk fantasy, part coastal cuteness. We didn’t have a ton of time to look around, but spent the morning and early afternoon wandering past limestone buildings, played on a steam punk playground by the ocean, popped into secondhand shops, and had one of the best brunches of our trip at Tees Street Café—think flaky cinnamon roll pastries, buttery eggs, and flat whites.
What’s the best time of year to see penguins in New Zealand?
Little blue penguins
Best viewed year-round, with peak activity September through December.
Yellow-eyed penguins (hoiho)
These shy, endangered penguins are found on the Otago Peninsula and Stewart Island. Best viewed early morning or evening, especially from September to February during breeding season.
Fiordland crested penguins (tawaki)
Rare and found on the wild west coast of the South Island, especially in Fiordland. Best spotted July to November, during their breeding season.
New Zealand has a whole lineup of unique penguin species, but if you’re looking for the most smallest, most adorable, and most accessible, you can’t beat the little blue crew in Oamaru! I highly recommend it.
Looking for more to do in New Zealand? Check out these posts you might like!
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