Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony

The Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony has gained a reputation as the easiest place in New Zealand to view good numbers penguins. Located just 5mins drive from the centre of town it's easily accessible to all.

Blue penguins are the smallest of the world's 17 species of penguin. Standing just 25cm high and weighing 1kg, they can only be found on the coast of New Zealand and in Southern Australia. The blue penguin is also unique in its behaviour, they come ashore after dark and live underground in burrows. They feed primarily on a range of inshore, surface schooling fish species.

The local penguin population is around 3,000 birds and is growing steadily. They nest in the harbour area and coastline. The goal is to provide education and insight into the lives of the blue penguin and let the valuable conservation efforts be recognised.