Yellow-Eyed Penguins at Bushy Beach. Oamaru. New Zealand.
S 45° 07.325 E 170° 58.730
59G E 498335 N 5003487
Along the length of Bushy Beach a track with platforms is ideal for viewing our precious yellow-eyed penguins or Hoiho. Considered to be the world's rarest penguin, they nest in the mud banks along the length of Bushy Beach.
Waymark Code: WM7PMW
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Date Posted: 11/18/2009
Views: 6
Considered to be the world's rarest penguin, they nest in the mud banks along the length of Bushy Beach and can be viewed in the early morning or late afternoon as they depart for or return from a day fishing. There is no charge for use of the hide. Binoculars are useful here.
NOTE: Please respect this area and follow the DOC signage, it is important that you do not disturb the birds in their daily routine.
The yellow-eyed penguin or hoiho is bigger and more rare than the blue penguin. This is an ideal site as these penguins need a bush environment. To see the penguins you can drive along upper Tyne Street and down Bushy Beach Road. The penguins come ashore about two hours before dark. They can be watched from the viewing hide free of charge, or you can join a forty minute tour.
Yellow-eyed penguins are shy and easily disturbed. For that reason it is recommended that they be viewed from hides or in the company of a tour operator. There are a number of public hides on the Otago coastline, as well as several tour operators who offer controlled close encounters with penguins.
The best viewing is between 3pm before dark (when the birds come ashore) and at sunrise (when they go to sea). Yellow-eyed penguins will be reluctant to come ashore if you are in plain sight on the beach, so stay off the beaches and in the hides after 3pm.
Park Name: Bushy Beach Reserve.
Sponsoring Organization: Department of Conservation.
Handicap Accessible?: Yes
Website: [Web Link]
Entrance Fee: 0.00 (listed in local currency)
List any Hides, Birding Towers, or other structures to assist in Birdwatching found at the location:
Viewing platforms along the cliff-top track. Please keep off the beach after 3pm and do not disturb the penguins.
Parking Coordinates: N 45° 07.326 W 170° 58.728
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Visit Instructions:
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