Penguin attraction
Exciting New Ambassador Kororā Encounter
The Little Blue Penguin, or kororā in te reo Māori, holds the distinction of being the smallest penguin species on Earth. These diminutive birds stand at only about 30cm tall and weigh a mere 1kg. Found across the coastlines of New Zealand and in Southern Australia (where they are often called Fairy Penguins), they prefer sheltered bays, rocky coasts, and offshore islands for their habitats.
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Fun information about our Korora Penguins
Unlike the larger, more famous penguins associated with the icy landscapes of the Antarctic, little blue penguins are unique in that they thrive in temperate and sometimes even urban environments. They are one of only three penguin species that regularly breed on New Zealand’s mainland, alongside the Hoiho (Yellow-eyed penguin) and the Tawaki (Fiordland crested penguin). Despite this, a remarkable 13 of the world's 18 penguin species can be found in New Zealand waters at various times.
To avoid predators, particularly during the day, these small birds are nocturnal on land. They typically come ashore only after dark to rest and attend to their nests, which they construct in burrows, under dense vegetation, or surprisingly, even beneath human-made structures like buildings.
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About the Little Blue Penguin (Kororā)
Also known as kororā in te reo Māori, the little blue penguin is the world’s smallest penguin — standing around 30cm tall and weighing just 1kg.
Found around New Zealand’s coastlines, especially in sheltered bays, rocky shores, and offshore islands, they’re also seen in southern Australia, where they’re called fairy penguins.
Kororā are one of only three penguin species that breed on New Zealand’s mainland, alongside the hoiho and tawaki.
Unlike their Antarctic relatives, little blues live in temperate and even urban environments — coming ashore after dark to nest in burrows, under vegetation, or beneath buildings.
Life of the Little Blue Penguin
Kororā are nocturnal on land, coming ashore at night to avoid predators, and diurnal at sea, feeding by day on small fish, squid, and crustaceans.
They’re excellent swimmers, reaching speeds of up to 8km/h and diving as deep as 70m — sometimes travelling 25km offshore to feed.
Once a year, they undergo a ‘catastrophic moult’, staying on land for 2–3 weeks while regrowing feathers and surviving on stored fat.
Kororā usually return to the same nesting sites each year, though they aren’t strictly monogamous. Breeding runs from July to December, with 1–2 eggs per clutch and chicks fledging at around 8 weeks old.
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A Self Guided 48-Hour General Pass
As well as our unique indoor attraction, we also run a very popular local gift store. Looking for the best coffee in Franz Josef! Guest tells us that our Café is a relaxing place to grab a drink and our bakery can make you a packed lunch for your day out exploring!
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