Fairy Penguins are just like they sound. They are the smallest of the penguins which makes them the cutest as well (IMHO). We drove to this very spot in Oamaru, New Zealand in order to witness these adorable penguins slowly (and cautiously) make their way back to their homes after a long day of fishing.

*This is a close-up. They are actually 30 cetimeters in length. Tiny!*

We drove to the sight early and despite being there before the time given, we were already behind many, many other families who were already settled into their seats.

*We’re here nearly in the back row, but still have a good view …*

Once settled in our seats, we watched the sea lions who we later learned are not a threat to the Fairy Penguins as they eat the same food. The penguins know to keep a safe distance from the sea lions and if they get to close, the sea lion generally barks at the offending penguin which scares the hell out of them and they jump back to a safe distance. With a solid hour before the “show” would begin, I ran back to the car to take a few more pictures as we saw something incredible on our way here.

*These birds have taken over this pier and “hang out” here nightly*

On my way back to my seat, I saw a few more images I loved. Like this “Penguin Crossing” sign. This is legit and lets drivers know that, especially at night around 10pm, they will likely see Fairy Penguins crossing the street. So, while the sign is cute, it serves as an important reminder to watch out for our bird friends in this area.

*CAUTION: Fairy Penguins cross this road (especially at 10pm!)*

Now, unfortunately, we were told to put our phones and cameras away before “the show” began, but were advised that anyone interested can watch this same experience LIVE on YouTube. Of course, if you’re not watching from 8:30pm to 11pm New Zealand time, you won’t see much besides ocean, but tune in at this time and you can see more or less what we saw live:

Since I couldn’t take pictures, here’s what I’ll tell you:

It’s amazing to see this live. If you have the chance DO IT!
There are a few rare penguins who “go it alone.” Most penguins go in small groups from the ocean to their homes. The FREEZE and FLIGHT responses are ever present.
When these penguins move, they run so much faster than you’d think. Sure, it's more “waddle” than “run” but they are moving really fast when they want to.

There was one penguin who got too close to one of the many sea lions who, as predicted, gave a few warning barks and, as expected, the penguin jumped back and all was well.

There were a few groups of penguins who cut through our stands to get to their homes. We were dead silent and didn’t move a muscle as we witnessed not one, but several penguins duck under the fence and waddle past all of us with our mouths gaping open. Spectacular!

This was an incredible sight to see and I’m so glad that we all bundled up, got there early and stayed until about 100 penguins made it home. Here are the full stats in case you’re interested:

Fairy Penguins, Oamaru (February 7, 2026)

Able Tasman National Park (February 8, 2026)

Oamaru, New Zealand (February 6, 2026)