Luxury accommodation New Zealand in a private hotel Dunedin, Otago

default default default

Yellow Eyed Penguin

The Yellow Eyed Penguin (Megadyptes antipodes) or HoiHo is native to New Zealand. These fury-favourites are the world’s third largest penguin, growing up to 75 cm in length and weighing up to 6.3 kgs. It is long lived, with some living up to 20 years, and takes its name from both its eye’s pale yellow iris and the band of bright yellow that runs from its eyes around to the back of its head.











Currently deemed endangered, there is an estimated total population of only 4,000. Yellow Eyed Penguins mainly live on a diet of fish and nest in forest or scrub facing the sea or on the shoreline. Colonies of these penguins offer a popular attraction for visitors to the Otago Peninsula; viewing from as close as 4 to 5 metres you can observe penguins nesting from their hides, trenches or tunnels.

See our Otago Eco Discovery Package »