Penguins First Timaru

15/04/2026

Thank you very much to Ymke for sending us these beautiful photos of the Little blue penguins. This one looks very healthy and its colour is great. Just a reminder that it is the end of the season for the penguins. We look forward to seeing them coming back in the Spring.

04/04/2026

If you'd like to support our work, please scan the QR code below and head to our Givealittle page. Donations help us to ensure Caroline Bay remains a safe home for our Little Penguins.

Thank you!

26/03/2026

It is very much the end of the season for the penguins. Numbers seen are very low. All of our colony penguins have finished their moult, and gone back out to sea. We will only see the odd 1 come ashore for an overnight rest.
So, Penguins First volunteers will be taking a break over the winter. You may see us down at Marine Parade occasionally, but not every night.
If you happen to see any penguins, please help us to take care of them, by respecting their space, and abiding by our guidelines on the various notices in the area.
Our volunteers will be back in early spring to mind over the penguins again.

Thank you, and keep warm over winter.

24/03/2026

This exciting event is on tomorrow, 5pm Thursday 26 March, 17 Wilson Street. Come to support these amazing community agencies Penguins First TimaruLife Education - Mid and South Canterbury and Alzheimers South Canterbury.Great raffle prizes to be won. Thank you Martin Reynecke for all the hard work you have put in to support these local agencies.

01/03/2026

Please join us! You can pay on the night. Just let them know you are coming for catering.

25/02/2026

It is moulting season for the penguins down at Marine Parade. There are only a few penguins hiding in the rocks while their moulting takes place. We may only see these penguins for a short time in the evening, after sunset, when they pop out from their nests, stretch and shake off some old feathers. The best place for viewing is on the footpath at Marine Parade. Please stay off the beach near the rocks, incase any penguins are swimming back into shore. We want them to feel safe as they walk up the beach to their nesting areas.

08/02/2026

Last night lots of noise! Three put in an appearance from their nests. They were a bit difficult to see though as they were sitting in the vegetation. Lots of people were however able to take a photo on their mobiles.

16/01/2026

So, over the last week, we have only seen 1 or 2 penguins returning from the sea in the evening. It certainly seems to be the end of the penguin season at Caroline Bay in Timaru. Last night the one and only penguin swam in just before 10pm. We may see some adult penguins returning to land to moult in a few weeks time, but for now it's a long cold wait to see any penguins.

09/01/2026

08/01/2026

Happy New Year to everyone. We started 2026 with lots of penguins coming back from the sea. But unfortunately, over the last week we have seen quite a decline in numbers. Most of the young penguins have left the nests, so the adult birds are staying out at sea. There are still a few to be seen in the evening. The arrival time seems to be around 10pm. Come down and see us when it gets dark. Our volunteers are always happy to inform you of the latest penguin updates.

17/12/2025

Happy festive season everyone. We are starting to have larger crowds coming to view the penguins. We encourage you to keep off the beach, near the rocks. Best viewing is from the footpath on Marine Parade.
We have had some curious juvenile penguins wandering on the footpath, and also trying to cross the road. Our volunteers will be keeping a watch on these youngsters. Visitors have been helpful with informing us when they see a penguin on the footpath. Please do not try to handle the birds, and keep your distance. The volunteers will let you know if they need help.
Enjoy the season and stay safe.
Merry Xmas.

22/11/2025

The penguins are coming ashore usually after 9.30pm at the moment. You may be lucky enough to see some come out of the nest areas a little earlier. Talk to our volunteers in the yellow vests to answer any questions you may have.
Viewing is from the footpath on Marine Parade. Please keep off the beach so that the penguins can walk home safely.