Looking for free, family-friendly fun in Timaru? One of the most magical experiences is at our Caroline Bay shoreline. In the evenings between September and March, wild penguins waddle in to nest in the basalt rocks after a day at sea. They are super cute and super small. Timaru is one of the few places in the world where you can see kororā, or little blue penguins, in their natural environment at no cost. All it takes is a little patience, warm clothing and respect for these special locals.
Best place to see penguins: Caroline Bay and Marine Parade
Go to Marine Parade at the southern end of Caroline Bay. Take the first left after Port Loop Road. The area is lit by port security lights so you do not need a torch or camera flash. Stay on the footpath or the sand and keep away from rocks and marked penguin nesting zones.
Best time to go: 30 minutes after sunset
Penguins come ashore after dark, once the sun has fully disappeared behind the hills. Arrive around dusk, dress warmly and wait quietly. You are most likely to see penguins between September and March.
Why it’s worth it: a real-life nature show
Watch penguins call to their mates, climb over rocks and return to their nests. It’s exciting for all ages and completely free. Children love it. All you need is patience and respect for the animals.
Quick facts: tiny but tough
Little blue penguins are only 40 centimetres tall
They swim up to six kilometres per hour and dive deep to find food
They live about seven years on average but can reach 20
They make different sounds to call, defend, feed and reunite
Each penguin has up to 10,000 feathers to keep them warm and waterproof
Their colour helps them hide from predators above and below the water
Be a respectful visitor: how to keep penguins safe
Do not use flash photography, video lights or torches
Stay off the rocks and behind the barriers
Remain quiet and keep your distance
Never touch or feed a penguin
Do not bring dogs to the beach from 1 October to 31 March
At all other times, keep dogs on a lead near penguin areas
Watch from home: Timaru Penguin Cam
Can’t make it out at night? You can still enjoy the penguins online.
Visit www.timaru.govt.nz/penguin-cam to watch them live on the Timaru District Council’s Penguin Cam.
Other wildlife to spot: dolphins, seals and more
As you walk the coastline, keep an eye out for
Hector’s dolphins near Caroline Bay and Patiti Point
Seals and sea lions resting on the rocks
Migrating whales and orca passing through in spring and summer
In 2019, a pod of orca even swam into Caroline Bay
Why penguins matter: a sign of a healthy ocean
There is a saying in te reo Māori:
He kororā, he tohu oranga
The penguin is a sign of life
Penguins are one of the best indicators of ocean health. If their numbers drop, it suggests something is wrong with the food chain. By giving them space, we help protect this coastal environment.
Before you visit: remember these simple tips
Bring warm clothing
Do not bring torches or dogs
Arrive at dusk and wait quietly
Stay on the footpath or sand and off the rocks
Give penguins plenty of room as they walk up the beach to their nests