The team at Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony are celebrating their best year yet with more than 80,000 visitors, a massive achievement after Covid-19 cut visitor numbers by 85%.

The team is now able to invest in a visitor centre refurbishment – work on that project began this week.

New figures show the Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony is celebrating its best year yet with more than 80,000 people flocking to see the world’s smallest penguins.

The milestone is a major step for the business which is now able to invest in a visitor centre refurbishment.

Cyndi Christensen, who recently joined the colony as Operations and Commercial general manager, is thrilled to be leading the team through this pivotal time.

“Covid cut our visitor numbers by 85%. To have now bounced back to set a new record, even though New Zealand’s international visitor numbers are not at pre-pandemic levels, is a huge win. We’re extremely excited.

“It’s not just about the numbers, it’s proof of the deep connection people feel for our little penguins and what we do to protect them,” Cyndi says.

The record numbers are enabling targeted investment in the visitor centre, enhancing the overall visitor experience.

“Work is now getting underway on a major upgrade. This will include new storytelling displays, interactive spaces, and updated educational content focused on our research and conservation work,” Cyndi says.

Tourism Waitaki RTO general manager Heather Matthews says the revamp will help grow the business even further.

“The colony is one of our region's most iconic attractions. When its visitor numbers thrive, so too does our wider community with flow-on benefits for local businesses, including accommodation and hospitality providers.”

“This investment will enable us to welcome even more visitors to see the penguins in their natural habitat. It’s ironic really – the wee birds are so charming they attract tens of thousands of people who watch them going about their daily business – but they’re oblivious to their charm.”