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PENGUIN RESCUE

BIG HAPPINESS WITH OUR LITTLE BLUES

The kororā (or Little Blue Penguin) is New Zealand’s smallest penguin, and in our expert opinion, it’s the cutest. Whether scuttling over rocks or diving for food, these incredible birds are small in stature but big on entertaining. 

As New Zealand’s first combined indoor and outdoor penguin viewing area, we are proud of the environment we’ve created for our littlest team members.

Humans, dogs and other pests are all responsible for a negative impact on the survival rates of the Little Blue Penguin. As a result, their numbers in the wild are in decline, and their conservation status is ‘at risk.’ That’s why we only house rescue penguins at our International Antarctic Centre.

Our birds have got into trouble in the big wide world or may be suffering from physical disabilities. Expert veterinarians assess each bird, and those that don’t have the ability to defend themselves are housed amongst feathered friends at Little Blue Penguin sanctuaries like ours.

Penguin watching is one of those must-do things. However, as Little Blue Penguins are generally nocturnal, there’s less chance to see them in action out in the wild.

Penguin Rescue is New Zealand’s first combined indoor/outdoor penguin viewing area. It can hold up to 26 Little Blue Penguins and allows visitors to view the penguins in a Banks Peninsula natural-themed environment.

Each day at 10:30am and 3pm, it’s feeding time. Choose to watch the feeding from the outdoor viewing area or downstairs in the pool auditorium. At both spots, you’ll get a good view of the table manners (or lack thereof) of these cute little birds.

What You Need to Know:

  • Penguin feeding times are 10:30am & 3pm daily.
  • Feeding times can vary. These are wild birds, and occasionally we need to change times to suit their day. If there’s a change in penguin feeding time, the ticketing staff will let you know.
  • The Little Blue Penguin is also known as the Kororā. It only grows to 43 cm tall. Its average life span is 6.5 years. While long-term relationships are normal, ‘divorce’ is not uncommon, so things can get awkward.