Clémence L.
Google
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.