Best time to travel to New Zealand

Hoiho–Yellow-Eyed Penguin in New Zealand

Unique appearance of a yellow-eyed penguin hoiho cannot be confused with any other species, even during moulting

Best time: November–early April

Hoiho–Yellow-Eyed Penguin
Hoiho–Yellow-Eyed Penguin
Hoiho–Yellow-Eyed Penguin
Hoiho–Yellow-Eyed Penguin

A yellow-eyed penguin hōiho is the largest and the heaviest New Zealand's penguin. Besides the eyes' colour, its typical features include a stripe of pale yellow feathers on the nape and around the eyes, a yellow-spotted black chin, cheeks and forecrown, fawn-brown sides of the head and the foreneck, a nice long red-brown and creamy bill, and finally pink and black-brown feet. The back and tail are traditionally stale-blue and the front is white. This unusual colouration makes it impossible to confuse the species with any other species of penguin, even when the birds moult. Besides, it might be difficult to tell the sexes, as they look quite alike, except size only: males are a bit bigger than females.

If you want to view yellow-eyed penguins, the best time is breeding season, that stretches from November through February, March or April. They prepare the nests in densely​ vegetated areas, concealing their nursery sites behind lush leaves. What is interesting - both sexes incubate the eggs.​

Their habitats are located only in New Zealand, being spread along the south-east South Island and on Banks Peninsula, on Stewart Island and its outliers, Codfish Island, the Auckland Islands, and Campbell Island.

Practical info

Where are yellow-eyed penguins commonly found in New Zealand?

New Zealand is the native habitat of the yellow-eyed penguins, which is spread across southeast South Island and Stewart Island as well as other outliers in the Auckland and Campbell Islands. To spot these endangered creatures, it is recommended to visit these regions. However, sightings cannot be guaranteed due to their small population. Show more

When is the ideal season to see yellow-eyed penguins in New Zealand?

The ideal time to witness yellow-eyed penguins is during the breeding season, which occurs between November and early April. They nest in vegetated areas, and visitors may need to hike around to spot them. These birds are endangered, so it's essential to avoid disturbing them during this time. Nevertheless, sighting yellow-eyed penguins during this season is not always guaranteed. Show more

How does the yellow-eyed penguin's size compare to other species?

In New Zealand, yellow-eyed penguins are the largest and heaviest species of penguins. Their height can reach up to 65-70 cm, while their weight can go up to 5-6 kg. They are bigger than little blue and Fiordland penguins but smaller than emperor and king penguins. Yellow-eyed penguins can be distinguished from other penguins by their distinct pale yellow nape and eye feathers. Show more

What is the length of a yellow-eyed penguin's breeding season?

Yellow-eyed penguins breed from November through February, March, or April. During breeding season, they establish nests in vegetated areas, hiding by lush vegetation. Both male and female penguins take turns incubating their eggs. After 39-51 days, the eggs hatch, and the offspring stay with their families for 5-6 weeks before becoming independent. Show more

What are the distinguishing characteristics between male and female yellow-eyed penguins?

Aside from their gender and size, male and female yellow-eyed penguins are nearly indistinguishable. Males are slightly larger than females, but both sexes behave similarly during incubation. During breeding, males tend to be more aggressive while protecting their nests and partners. Therefore, observing nesting behavior doesn't necessarily determine their sex. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin