Blue Penguins Pukekura
Dunedin
Our kaitiaki guardianship of the Blue Penguins Pukekura is a joint venture between the Otago Peninsula Trust and The Korako Karetai Trust. All of our conservation, preservation and restoration work is fully funded by the tour fees. Our values are strongly aligned with the principles of Kaitiaki (guardians of the land and its wildlife) and manaakitanga (care and hospitality of our visitors).
Description
Discover Korora, the Little Blue Penguin, the world's smallest penguin. This 90 minute tour starts from within the royal albatross centre situated at the end of the Otago Peninsula at Taiaroa Head. Hear local stories and understand how the plentiful resources, the shape and position of this headland led to the area's use by different iwi (tribes) over many centuries. The beach we visit to view the penguins is owned by local Maori, we spend time learning about their dedication to the preservation of the area and the wildlife inhabitants throughout this one and a half hour guided tour. This small beach (Takiharuru) has a population of over 250 breeding pairs of korora/little penguins. It is now the largest blue penguin colony on the Otago Peninsula. Weather permitting, we will take a ''behind the scenes'' look at the reserve. See where the birds live, understand the habits of the penguins and admire the efforts of the whanau (local families) in their care of the land, the restoration of the habitat for a variety of wildlife inhabitants. This is a new opportunity for 2022, added into the tours so guests get a better understanding of the penguins' habitat and the significance of the area to local Maori. Then just before sunset, we move back onto our purpose built platform to watch and wait for the first birds to return from sea. Penguin arrival time does vary from night to night and we highly recommend our guests come prepared by wearing extra layers of clothing. It can get cold when the sun goes down so for your enjoyment, wearing extra layers of clothes will help to make this one of your most memorable wildlife experiences. An added bonus on clear nights is we often get great views of the Southern Cross and the Milky Way above us and your guides will point out celestial features of the night sky when they are visible !
At Blue Penguins Pukekura, we know that despite the best intentions, things can happen. If you need to make a change to your booking, please contact us on toroa1938@gmail.com and we will accommodate your request when we can. REFUND POLICY In purchasing a tour with Blue Penguins Pukekura you are agreeing to the following terms and conditions: A full refund (minus the booking fee) will be paid if you cancel your tour more than forty-eight (48) hours of your scheduled tour start date. Cancellation requests received less than forty-eight (48) hours but more than twenty-four (24) hours will receive a 50% refund. Cancellation requests received less than twenty-four (24) hours of the tour will not be refunded. Refunds will not be paid if you do not arrive at the pre-arranged meeting points at the correct time. All other circumstances will be reviewed on a case by case basis. Please contact us if you have questions with regards to our Refund Policy. Blue Penguins Pukekura is based in Dunedin. COVID-19 - Update as at September 2022 There are no restrictions for Blue Penguins Pukekura to operate tours. Mask wearing is now a personal choice. If your tour is cancelled due to government restrictions we can either offer a full refund (before the commencement date of the tour) or transfer your booking to another departure date. All other circumstances around Covid-19 cancellations will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
1245 Harington Point Road, Dunedin 9054