Penguin Walk

Lift the flaps in the timber fencing for a chance to get a sneak peak of a nesting penguin.

The track is fully wheelchair/buggy friendly from the carpark to the viewing platform.

Curio Bay is signposted from the Southern Scenic Route, which follows SH 92 through the Catlins from Invercargill to Balclutha.

Yellow-eyed penguins are very timid birds and will either leave the area or 'freeze' at the sight of people and dogs. All dogs should be kept well clear of the areas inhabited by penguins.

Several hoiho or yellow-eyed penguins nest in the area around Curio Bay/Waikawa. They are one of the rarest penguins in the world with an estimated total population in New Zealand of between 6000 and 7000. The population has declined because of the clearance of coastal forest in which the penguins nest. They are also affected by introduced predators such as stoats, ferrets and dogs, while stock may disturb their nests.

Eggs are laid in September/October and both parents incubate and help rear chicks. Birds usually leave the nest for the sea early in the morning, returning late afternoon/early evening.

The penguins moult between February and April when they are particularly vulnerable to disturbance.