You Can See Rare Yellow-Eyed Penguins At Only One Spot In The World

You might think penguins only live in Antarctica, as seen in films like "Happy Feet" and "March of the Penguins." But in reality, penguins can be found in other parts of the globe, including New Zealand. The country, located in the South Pacific, is widely known as the filming location of the "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. However, New Zealand has another unique distinction: it's home to yellow-eyed penguins. As a matter of fact, this is the only place on the planet you'll be able to find these creatures. 

As their name suggests, the birds have distinctive yellow eyes and a partly yellow head due to carotene. Sadly, this unique animal is considered a threatened species. The population of yellow-eyed penguins has diminished in the past few years for various reasons, including global warming, disease, and death by predators like cats. 

In 2017, a study in the scientific journal PeerJ theorized that yellow-eyed penguins would be extinct by 2060. In the years since the publication of this article, New Zealand's Department of Conservation and other agencies have worked towards conserving the population of yellow-eyed penguins. Needless to say, yellow-eyed penguins are a marvel, and one of the best ways to spend time in New Zealand is by observing this precious creature.

Locally referred to as the hoiho, yellow-eyed penguins feature a northern and southern population. Ironically, the latter is found on New Zealand's South Island. That said, there are several spots around South Island where you can encounter yellow-eyed penguins. For example, Yellow-Eyed penguins are found in The Catlins region at Nugget Point and Curio Bay. You could technically go to both spots in one day, as Nugget Point is only about an hour and a half drive from Curio Bay. 

You can also head to Allans Beach on the Otago Peninsula in Dunedin or Bushy Beach Scenic Reserve in Otago. Alternatively, you can take a tour to view the yellow-eyed penguins. This is recommended by the Yellow-Eyed Penguin Trust, an organization focused on conserving the bird. One of the many great things to do in South Island is take a guided tour provided by The Otago Peninsula Eco Restoration Alliance or The OPERA. 

The Opera is based in Harrington Point near Dunedin and is a conservation organization. Their penguin tour allows visitors access to their yellow-eyed penguin rehab center and reserve. The tour is 90 minutes and can be booked online. At the time of this publication, tickets for adults and children are under $40. In addition, Natures Wonders, a sheep farm in Dunedin, offers a penguin express bus tour for the same price.  

If you decide to view yellow-eyed penguins at a public spot such as Allans Beach or Bushy Beach Scenic Reserve, you should prioritize their well-being. One of the many reasons the population of yellow-eyed penguins is decreasing is due to humans. Thus, do not get too close if you come across a yellow-eyed penguin habitat. The Yellow-Eyed Penguin Trust advises visitors to stay about 164 feet away from the yellow-eyed penguins.

The birds could get scared, preventing them from feeding their offspring and further deteriorating the yellow-eyed penguin population. Instead, it's recommended for visitors to use binoculars to observe the animals from afar without endangering them. When doing so, make sure you make little noise or movement. Furthermore, you should refrain from bringing your dog to any public viewing site as they are considered predators and are unfortunately known to attack yellow-eyed penguins.

Whether you visit a public site or take a guided tour, stay in Dunedin. The city is close to Allans Beach, Bushy Beach Scenic Reserve, Nugget Point, Otago Peninsula Eco Restoration Alliance(The OPERA), and Natures Wonders. The exception is Curio Bay, which is about two and a half hours from Dunedin. There are wonderful accommodation options on Airbnb, including a stunning one-bedroom luxury eco-home on the Otago Peninsula for $194 a night.