Yellow-eyed Penguin

1. Distinctive pale yellow band encircling the head and framing yellow eyes

2. Tall, upright stance with a long, slender bil

3. lPrefer to nest alone or in small groups, unlike many colonial penguin species

Yellow-eyed Penguins are impressive divers, foraging up to 25 km offshore and diving to depths of 120 meters. They breed from August to April, with both parents sharing incubation and chick-rearing duties. Habitat loss, introduced predators, and climate change pose significant threats to their population.

Look for the Northern population of Yellow-eyed Penguins along the southeastern coast of the South Island, particularly on the Otago Peninsula, Stewart/Rakiura and nearby islands and the Southern population on the Campbell and Auckland Islands. They prefer coastal forests and scrubland for nesting. Dawn and dusk are prime viewing times when they come ashore after fishing trips. Watch for them waddling up steep slopes to their nests. Tip: Visit protected viewing areas like those at Sandfly Bay for a better chance of spotting these shy birds.

Known as Hoiho in Māori, meaning "noise shouter," or takaraha for some iwi, these penguins have inhabited New Zealand's mainland for about 500 years. They replaced the now-extinct Waitaha penguin, becoming a flagship species for conservation efforts and eco-tourism in the southern South Island.