Penguins

After an extremely rainy day in Oamaru, there was only one thing that could lift our mood – a visit to the blue penguin colony. They are the world’s smallest penguin; are about 30cm in height and yes, you’ve guessed it, blue with a white chest. They also go by the names of Little Penguins or Fairy Penguins! Honestly, no joke!!!

So, armed with buffs, gloves and 2 coats each (one thick and one waterproof), we set off to the colony and were drenched by the time we got there! Fear not though, being a big fan of penguins, I’d paid a little bit extra for premium tickets so we were under shelter! Phew!!!

We sat under a shelter with some other penguin fans and listened to a commentary about penguins then we saw them…the first raft of blue penguins coming to shore. Oh my god, I cried! They were sooooo cute and seeing them in their natural habitat coming in from the ocean after a long days fishing was just wonderful to see. They all waddle in their own unique way and we just sat and watched them (in silence so we didn’t scare them) come ashore to their nests. We watched 70 penguins arrive home for about an hour and fell in love with some of the mavericks who liked to waddle off on their own and bother a sleepy seal rather than go back to their nest. After our time was up, we got to walk along the boardwalk through the colony to see some of them waddling quickly from nest to nest as if they were in trouble. It reminded me of school trips when rebellious children leave their rooms at night and knock on their friend’s doors to say ‘hi’ rather than go to sleep.

Soon, the evening was over and we walked along the harbour (it had stopped raining by this point – bonus) and what do we see? A penguin! Just wandering around having a mooch. Too cute. We carry on walking and what do we see next? Yes, another penguin! This continued until we got to the brewery where we were going to have some food and a drink and we then see 3 penguins having a grand old time outside! I wonder if they got asked for ID?

BEST EVENING EVER!!!!

PS. No pictures because you’re not allowed to take any in case you startle them.