Dunedin - Part 2

Dunedin - Part 2

We drove around the Otago Harbor to the very tip of the Otaga Peninsula.  Along the way we stopped for a hike at beautiful Sandfly Bay Wildlife Refuge.  This bay is aptly named; the sand really does fly.  We had to empty sand from our coat pockets and our ears.  There were several fur seals on the beach gathering strength by resting in the sun.

Sandfly Bay

New Zealand Fur Seal

The main reason for visiting Otago Peninsula was the chance to see yellow-eyed penguins. They are the most endangered species of penguin in the world.  There are only about 4,000 yellow-eyed penguins left (1,000 on the mainland, and 3,000 on small offshore islands).  New Zealand is the only place you can see these endangered birds.  Unlike the white-flippered penguins that gather in rafts, yellow-eyed penguins are solitary and shy birds.

This eco-sanctuary is privately owned land in which the owners are licensed by the New Zealand government to care for injured and abandoned yellow-eyed penguins. They are also working hard to improve the penguin habitat by regenerating and planting native flora, and building nesting sites.  Sadly last year, they had 26 breeding pairs and this year only 11 pairs.  

Penguin Returning to Feed Chicks

Covered Trenches

We saw the penguins coming ashore at about 8 PM.  The eco-sanctuary has built many maze-like covered trenches that lead to a series of blinds to view the penguins.  Our guide noticed that a mother penguin was heading toward her chicks from the beach.  We rushed through the covered trenches to get to the spot where that penguin would come over the hill.  We made it just in time to see her reach the fresh water pond and be greeted by her two chicks.  We were so excited.  It was a great moment– a truly amazing place to be.

Mother Penguin with Chicks

Yellow-eyed Penguin Chick

Man-made penguin homes