A record-breaking start to the breeding season
The 2025 penguin breeding season had a record-breaking start.
Read the full story home
Welcome to the Ōamaru penguin conservation experience
After sunset, witness little penguins returning home from their day fishing at sea. During the day, learn about the penguins in our brand-new Discovery Centre, see them in our specially designed nesting boxes and explore the breeding colony.
Latest Stats
Updated:
6:15pmEvening Viewing start time
188Number of penguins arrived ashore last night
373Eggs are being incubated
21Chicks present in the colony
Home to hundreds
Ōamaru Penguins has an ever-growing population of little penguins/kororā. Every week, our staff visit the nesting boxes to track how many penguins are living here, creating detailed records of every bird in the colony and their breeding success. Dive into the data and see how our colony is growing.
Meet the colony
The work behind the colony
Since 1993, we’ve conducted vital research at the colony and a second control site to monitor Ōamaru’s little penguin populations and support the species’ wider conservation efforts.
See what we do
Get to know the team
Our hands-on approach to conservation sets us apart in the tourism world. The story of Ōamaru Penguins is driven by passionate people who have dedicated their time to protecting the little penguins.
Meet the team
Contribute to the conservation of our colony
Adopt a penguin
Adopt one of our penguins and receive a package of cool information about your penguin, either to your inbox or letterbox!
Find out more
Buy a gift
Know someone who’s obsessed with little penguins? Our gift shop has something for every penguin fan, whether it be a retail item or a gift voucher.
Find out more