Ōamaru Penguins

Was a great experience for us and the kids, all had a great time. Lots of seals to see around the area as well. We had a little one and he did well for a 2year old but they do take their time coming home of course so just to expect might take up to an hour for them to all come home slowly but a breathtaking moment when they do come in and awesome to see them up close. Not allowed to take photos or videos of the penguins which is disappointing to not be able to capture the moment, maybe a green screen picture you’re able to purchase at the end? A lot of other places let you take photos and videos but just no flash but rules are rules and still enjoyed the experience. Would definitely come back if we’re back in town.

The best customer service. Although we couldn’t wait to see the penguins the staff was still patiently explaining my questions! I will definitely buy tickets next time!!!! You can still see heaps of seals lying on the beach For free!

We loved this experience, it was amazing to see all the Penguins as they climbed up the rocky bank to come back to their hutches. There were tons of seals the day we went and that meant there was also plenty of entertainment from them. We sat in the general admission area and while I think the VIP seating had a slightly better angle of the Penguins as they climber up the rocks, quite a lot of the Penguins have discovered short cuts that walk through the general seating grandstand which was incredibly exciting. We went in September and it was really cold so definitely recommend rugging up, with gloves and Beanies. Also consider whether you are allowed to bring your own cushion or blanket it to sit on as the grandstand isn't very comfortable. Would absolutely recommend this experience and the guides were very knowledgeable and friendly. Note you aren't allowed to take pictures of the Penguins.

Beautiful location. I didn't time it right to see the penguins but the place is awesome and there were a lot of seals relaxing there. The ocean is fierce, definitely work a visit.

Fantastic experience to see this little fairy came home. I literally hold my breath when this little penguin passing by in front of me. Really worth every penny to pay for the evening viewing. The guide will tell you information about the penguin while you wait for them. If you come to Oamaru blue penguin, please follow the rule and do not disturb the penguin and the seal.

Fantastic experience! It was great to see little blue penguins in the evening tour. I would highly recommend taking vip tickets and bringing along binoculars. Taking photos or videos is prohibited as a part of the evening penguin tour.

A special experience. The penguins are definitely worth it. In my opinion, the fact that you can't take pictures and be quiet is very much appreciated, that way you can enjoy the experience. We paid for the more expensive seats and at least 4 separate groups of penguins went to the "cheaper" side, so I'm not sure it's worth the extra fee and you can't predict where they'll decide to go, but it gave the feeling that it's not necessarily worth it. The visit is definitely worth it and the staff there is lovely :)

If you want to see a large group of penguins, I recommend making a reservation. The facility was fully booked on the day, so we were unable to use the facility, but we were lucky enough to see a penguin that had separated from the group right nearby. The penguins were small, cute, and seemed timid. It was a great experience to take children with. However, despite the warning signs that flash photography is harmful to penguins, we saw a few people using flash photography. As a good adult, you should not do what you are told not to do and follow the instructions.

I came here during the day, so I did not do the nocturnal viewing of the actual penguins coming in. There is a $10 day use fee, which if it wasn't going to the preservation of the penguins would have been exorbitant for what you experience. During the day, the penguins are out to sea or hibernating in their little "huts". You pay your fee at the visitor center and are escorted by a guide back to the viewing house to see what penguins are in residence for that day. The house contains viewing tubes down the boroughs of various huts and if there is a penguin in there you can kind of see them via red light. It is not the clearest viewing as the lenses are a bit cloudy/scratched and because of the lighting. When I went there were two chicks and an adult who was beginning to malt. It was neat to see them, especially the chicks. They are soooo tiny! You could tell the poor little adult penguin was not having a fun time w/the malting and I was lucky enough to see a few feathers come off. The feathers are super tiny as well! After the viewing house, the guide walked me past some of the other huts that they provide for the nesting penguins, which are cute because it is like a little village of sorts. I was then left to walk around the viewing grandstand, behind which were some NZ fur seals. They were fun to see up close & personal and the coastline views were gorgeous. However, that was about it to see/do here during the day.

Do I have to give it a star? I must say I did not pay the admission to this attraction. It was $30 a person to sit in a hard plastic seat for 30 min to see the penguins walk through to their nesting area. The place had every indication of a tourist trap. They ban taking pictures so you have to buy theirs. All that is fine and it's a matter of taste and choice. But I find the place offensive. What they have done is build a tourist attraction right in the path the penguins take to get to their nesting grounds. I can't believe the NZ Government allows this. I have seen lots of penguin colonies in South Africa. The penguins are protected and their nesting colonies are national parks. This NZ attraction is just a bad idea. We went and sat on the breakwater next to the place. And had a wonderful time watching these magnificent birds. Shut the tourist place down and enjoy the birds.

Good, Bad and Poor Management, Read bottom Line! Good - because we got to see groups of Penguins arriving from the sea for a couple of minutes! We were in front row Premium seats only a metre away. Bad - However any further back would have been a waste of time and the general seating a disaster as the holes they open for the penguins to come through are only on the premium side. Poor Management - The commentators were on the general side with microphones, unfortunately the English speaking commentator's Microphone was not working properly so in the Premium seats we could not hear! The Chinese commentator was fine so we had to go to reception to ask them to swap when it was their turn, unfortunately the English speaking commentator was such a very poor speaker we still couldn't hear! REALLY!! However when we left we encountered Penguins along the seafront all the way back to our accommodation because they cross the road to nest in the caves! Or in our case under the stairs of our accommodation. Moral is one doesn't have to pay exorbitant prices to see these lovely critters!

Really not a high energy evening but still fulfilling. They have it planned to a Que, but go the extra mile and do the VIP. Plan about 1 1/2 hours and arrive early. Take in the commentary and watch these little guys come home from a hard days work.

The Penguins were wonderful, completely charming and worth the price of admission. However, the whole atmosphere regarding the viewing was very off-putting. They don't let you photograph the Penguins, they say it is for the birds safety, which I have a hard time buying into ( just ban any flash photography). It isn't even the photo ban , as much as the way they enforce it. It is as if they are just waiting & hoping to catch a violator. The placed reeked of overt capitalism. This is the one and only thing on my trip to the South Island to leave a bad taste in my mouth. By the way, you can take photos of the maverick Penguins in the parking lot after you leave .... They didn't seem to mind or want any extra money.