You can find the world's smallest penguin in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand. The Little Blue Penguins, or Korora in Maori, are mostly nestled in the offshore islands like the Bay of Islands, away from other animals. Korora is around 35cm tall and weighs 1kg. Our crew always keep an eye out while cruising.
WHERE ELSE CAN YOU FIND PENGUINS IN NEW ZEALAND?
There are other penguin species residing in different parts of New Zealand — the most common are Little Blue Penguin, Yellow-eyed Penguin and Fiordland-crested penguin. They can be observed in their natural habitat around: The Banks Peninsula, Oamaru, Dunedin, The Marlborough Sounds, Stewart Island, Munro Beach, Timaru, and The Catlins.
GUIDELINES FOR LITTLE PENGUIN SPOTTING
While cruising along the coast of the Bay of Islands, we usually spot a couple of penguins frolicking in the sea, dancing and diving. As much as we enjoy observing them in their natural habitat, we should respect their space and avoid being invasive. Little Blue Penguins are best observed during sundown. Turn off your camera flash as these delicate creatures are light sensitive.
KORORA MAORI HISTORY
The legend of the Little Blue Penguin originated in Russell where its Maori name Koroka materialised. According to legend, a wounded Maori chief asked for some penguin soup and at the first taste of the broth he exclaimed: "Ka reka te korora" — meaning "how sweet is the penguin."