During the trip to the South Island, there was originally no plan to visit Oamaru on the east coast. Later on, the idea came up, solely because of the world’s smallest blue penguins found here!
Things to do in Oamaru
Upon entering the town, the cluster of vintage European-style buildings exudes a thick and historical atmosphere. Especially in Oamaru’s Victoria Precinct, standing on the street, you truly get a sensation of travelling back to the Victorian era. The Steampunk HQ here claimed to be the birthplace of “steampunk,” features a rust-covered train engine with iron chains, bearing witness to Oamaru’s prosperous gold rush era in the 19th century. Make sure you immerse yourself in this “White Stone” city; you might even forget you’re in New Zealand rather than Europe!
Of course, don’t forget to seek out the blue-eyed little penguins when visiting Oamaru. As night falls, the penguins return to their nests, and you might easily encounter them near the wharf, for free. We came across three little penguins playing ashore at Friendly Bay and Oamaru Lookout Point.
How to see the blue penguins in Oamaru?
Best encounter time: During the time when the sun sets and night falls, by the harbour, the probability is higher. Because they go fishing at sea during the day and return to their nests by the shore in the evening.
Seasonal impact: It is said that there are more penguins in summer and relatively fewer in winter.
Guaranteed penguin viewing spot: Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony. Admission tickets are required here, and you can see penguins returning to their nests every evening. This is the place to go for friends who worry about not encountering penguins by chance.
In addition, it is important to remind everyone not to touch the penguins when observing them! Don’t make strange sounds towards them! When taking photos never use the flash, as the red focus light can cause the penguins to go blind! It’s best to observe them from a distance and in the dark!
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