Ōamaru Penguins

This free entry experience was a very pleasant surprise. Firstly to see a couple of baby penguins huddled in the nesting boxes then to up close and see all the seals bathing, jostling and relaxing on shore. The grand stand is a thoughtful observation/rest area (for people) and the information office provided a convenient place to upskill on wildlife knowledge or pick up merchandise.

We visited the Oamaru Blue Penguin Centre during the day, it was a lovely experience, with interesting facilities and very informative displays. However, we were saddened to see that, despite the centre’s efforts to protect the colony (which is great, congratulation and thank you for that), the area just outside the site doesn’t seem to provide the same safety for the penguins. In the evening, several penguins come ashore and try to cross the road to reach their nests, but the road remains open to traffic. Cars sometimes drive past quite fast, and many tourists stop very close (often less than 5 metres away) and blocking their way. It’s a pity that the road isn’t closed or better managed at certain hours, as this would truly support the centre’s conservation mission. A few more signs reminding visitors how to behave respectfully (keeping distance, not standing between the penguins and their nests, etc.) would also be very helpful. It’s a wonderful place, but in my opinion, there’s still important work to do to fully ensure the protection of the penguins and thus their preservation.

We stopped by about 1pm, unfortunately most of the penguins are out foraging for food during the day and usually don’t return until about 6pm. Luckily there were three adorable penguins who didn’t know the timeline so we got to watch them for a bit. Only a few seals out and about and about a zillion seagulls!

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.

We did the day tour and it was very informative. We got to see the penguins nesting there. Staff is very friendly and knowledgeable! Lots of seals on the beach.

I’d recommend just getting the regular ticket; it’s enough to enjoy the whole experience. Do note that the centre is very strict about no photography, no videos, and even no talking during the session. Staff monitor very closely, so it can feel a bit like a school trip for adult n in a control environment at times. Nevertheless, as a visiting tourist , it is still a great experience overall. Do bring binoculars and warm clothing, as it can get chilly and you’ll want about an hour or more to fully enjoy the visit. With some luck, you may spot penguins outside the centre, wiggling around under bushes and rocks as they find their way home. It’s a lovely bonus to see them up close in their natural surroundings. [ you can take all the photo n video with no condition , just remember to not shine light at them or do flash photography] Big thanks to the centre staff especially Jully and her female colleague, who actively guide traffic to prevent vehicles from running over the penguins — their effort makes a real difference. And remember: the penguins aren’t paid actors. They move at their own pace, so a bit of patience goes a long way!

We attended the evening show. It was a great show but I didn’t quite realise the format ahead of time. The penguins can take a few hours to come in so best to leave plenty of time for this and plan in advance if you are travelling home at night. We didn’t leave until 10pm from the 7pm show. The penguins are super cute and the show was very informative. Very proud of their successful conservation efforts. Well done to all the staff.

You can see many seals and blue penguins in the viewing decks, but cannot take picture and video due to lights cause harm to the animals, you can still see penguin at the parking lot there without paying the ticket, just that you can see more it there with a seat.

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.