Where can I see yellow-eyed penguins in New Zealand?
Yellow-eyed penguins can be seen at Nugget Point Totāra Scenic Reserve (Roaring Bay) and Curio Bay – please use the hide for viewing and stay off the beach. There are several wildlife guides in The Catlins who are DOC concessionaires and who can take visitors to see them.
Are yellow-eyed penguin native to NZ?
The yellow-eyed penguin / hoiho is only found in New Zealand, nowhere else in the world! Hoiho breed on the south-east coast of the South Island, Stewart Island / Rakiura, and the subantarctic Auckland / Maungahuka and Campbell Islands / Motu Ihupuku.
How many yellow-eyed penguin are left in NZ?
The yellow-eyed penguin is endemic to New Zealand’s South Island and sub-Antarctic islands, where there are 3,200 to 3,600 left in the wild, down from nearly 7,000 in 2000.
Are yellow-eyed penguins rare?
The Yellow-eyed Penguin is one of the rarest penguin species in the world. It is found north of the Antarctic Ocean, along the coast of Southern New Zealand (Ellenberg, Mattern and Seddon, 2009).
Where can I see penguins in New Zealand?
The Best Places to see Penguins in New Zealand
- Stewart Island. This is one of the best places to see most of New Zealand’s rare and endemic birds.
- Munro Beach. Fiordland crested penguin.
- Oamaru.
- The Catlins.
- Otago Peninsula.
- Banks Peninsula.
Are there penguins in Auckland?
The little blue penguin (Eudyptula minor/kororā) is the world’s smallest penguin, and you can see them right here in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf. These tiny birds are a medium to dark blue with a white underbelly and a strong hooked bill. stand at just over 25cm high and weigh around 1kg.
What’s the rarest penguin in the world?
Galápagos penguin
Listed as Endangered by the IUCN since 2000, the Galápagos penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus) is considered to be the rarest penguin with an estimated population of between 1,800–4,700 as per the last census, carried out in 2009.
Why is the yellow-eyed penguin unique?
Scientifically, the yellow-eyed penguin / hoiho (Megadyptes antipodes) is very special. It is the only species left in its genus, and is truly a unique bird. It may also be the most ancient of all living penguins. Research revealed the existence of a now-extinct sister species, Megadyptes waitaha.
What’s the rarest penguin?
Listed as Endangered by the IUCN since 2000, the Galápagos penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus) is considered to be the rarest penguin with an estimated population of between 1,800–4,700 as per the last census, carried out in 2009.
Where are penguins in New Zealand?
You’ll find them on the Otago Peninsula, just south of Dunedin and round the Catlins region. Dunedin is where you can find some of the best wildlife tours, giving you an incredible close up view of the penguins, sea lions and fur seals in their natural habitat.
Are there penguins in Christchurch?
The Pohatu Marine Reserve off the Banks Peninsula, near Christchurch, is home to the largest colony of Little Blue penguins in New Zealand. Travelers can go to Flea Bay to see them; tours are recommended because access in regular vehicles can be difficult.