New Zealand is one country which has given citizenship rights to penguins too as they can be seen waddling and walking upright like self-important individuals.
The three main penguin kinds native to New Zealand are the yellow-eyed penguins, Fiordland-crested penguins, and little blue penguins. Yet, you have an excellent chance to see the other types too.
Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or just a curious individual seeing these little creatures in their natural environment is an unparalleled experience. They can be seen in nature reserves where they are kept for commercial purposes or if you’re lucky you can find them at the beaches in New Zealand.
These waddling little creatures can be seen all over New Zealand, from the north to the south, there are certain hot spots where you are guaranteed to find penguins. Add them to your bucket list when you’re going to New Zealand for a visit or just for a weekend gateway.
1. The Banks Peninsula
The largest colony of little blue penguins can be found on the Banks Peninsula outside Christchurch. Here you can also spot the white-flippered penguin, or Australasian little blue penguins only found in Canterbury. If you are planning to try feeding your hands at feeding these little blue penguins, you can do this at the many rehabilitation centers.
The Banks Peninsula allow you to get the closest glance at New Zealand’s little blue penguins. New Zealand also has plenty of spots to observe them naturally such as tours at Akaroa.
2. Oamaru
The colony of blue penguins or Penguin town, Oamaru, is a little town north of Dunedin on the South Island. Here you can see blue penguins and yellow-eyed penguins just before the sunset.
The Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony is a viable establishment to allow visitors to observe waves of penguin rafts coming onto the shore.
3. Dunedin
Dunedin has several yellow-eyed penguin conservation colonies where you can hop on for a wildlife tour. You can also spot the penguins walking randomly on the beaches of Otago.
4. Munro Beach
Munro Beach is the abode to the world’s second rarest penguin species the Tawaki Fiordland-crested penguins. It’s another wildlife spot and a great area to spot the Fiordland-crested penguins.
5. Stewart Island
Stewart Island is the top spot to see a variety of penguins in New Zealand. During dusk have a look around the wharf and the coastline in Oban for the best chances of spotting the little blue penguins and yellow-eyed penguins.
6. Timaru
Timaru another wildlife hot spot and a great place to spot yellow-eyed penguins. Timaru is a coastal city between Oamaru and Christchurch Island. A popular place to see yellow-eyed penguins and the little blue penguins for free is at the Caroline Bay. They nest along the edges of the beach in the roped-off areas.
7. The Marlborough Sounds
The Marlborough Sounds is a splendid vicinity to additionally see dolphins, seals, and whales, including penguins. Keep your eyes peeled while taking a cruise via this lovely area on the top of the South Island.
8. The Catlins
The Catlins Coast in Southland is home to many fascinating marine animals, inclusive of penguins!
A common vicinity to see yellow-eyed penguins is at Curio Bay while parents are visible coming to the shore in the early morning/evening to feed their chicks.
Conclusion
These are just a few places to spot the cute little creatures in New Zealand. If you have a query related to the same, please let us know in the comments below.
References –
https://www.backpackerguide.nz/where-to-find-penguins-in-new-zealand/
https://www.backpackerguide.nz/5-best-places-to-see-penguins-in-new-zealand/