Bicheno Penguin Tour
- Bicheno
- Aquariums / Zoos / Farms
Overview
The maximum group size is 16 participants per session.
About
At Bicheno Penguin Tours, our friendly team will check you in before a short bus ride takes you to our private penguin rookery. Established over 30 years ago by rehabilitating farmland into penguin-friendly habitat, the rookery is a special place where you can witness the unique behaviours of little penguins in their natural environment.
Your experienced guide will accompany you on a walk through the rookery, sharing interesting facts about penguins and their habitat while also discussing the steps we can take to protect and improve the lives of these wonderful birds. The tour involves walking approximately 700 meters over 50 minutes, allowing plenty of time to observe the penguins.
At Bicheno Penguin Tours, we are committed to providing our guests with an unforgettable and educational experience while promoting the importance of conservation. Join us for a tour of the penguin rookery and discover the wonders of these amazing creatures in their natural habitat.
What to Bring:
For the Penguin Tours, you are required to wear enclosed and comfortable shoes without prominent heels. The tour takes place entirely outdoors so we recommend wearing warm, comfortable clothing, and during the cooler months, bringing a weatherproof jacket is advisable.
Seasonal Experience Overview
Summer – Breeding Season (September – January)
• Highest number of penguins visible compared to other seasons
• Increased movement between land and sea
• Male penguins actively build and maintain burrows in preparation for offspring
• Guests are more likely to observe social interactions and breeding-related behaviour
• This season offers a lively, dynamic experience, though it can be busier with more visitors
Winter – Maintenance & Recovery Season (February – August)
• Guests benefit from a more personal, intimate experience with less crowding
• Ideal for guests who value peaceful wildlife encounters and deeper interpretation
• There are fewer penguins to view than during summer
• Penguins conserve energy and reduce time spent in the ocean
• A rare opportunity to see penguins moulting; a once-a-year natural process that most people never witness, as wild penguins usually remain hidden in their burrows during this time
February/March – Moulting Season
• There are fewer penguins visible compared to the summer breeding season
• A rare chance to witness penguins during their annual moult, a natural process few people ever see, as wild penguins typically stay hidden in their burrows
• Ocean activity is reduced during this important recovery phase
• Guests often enjoy longer, clearer viewing opportunities of individual penguins
• This season offers a calmer, slower-paced experience with excellent educational value
What’s included
Included
- Bicheno Penguin Tour(Selected session)
Not included
- All inclusions are as indicated on the websites at time of travel. If not stated as included the item/s are at guests own cost.
Ages
Child tickets for 4-15 year olds, inclusive. Children under 4 are free.
Our tours are not suitable for children under 4 years of age.
This decision has been made carefully and not taken lightly. As this is an up-close, guided wildlife experience, it is essential that our penguins are respected and not disturbed. All guests must be able to remain still and quiet throughout the tour to ensure the wellbeing of the penguins and the quality of the experience for all participants.
Children aged 14 years and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
How to use
After booking is confirmed, we will send a voucher to your email, please check your email and check voucher details.
Please check in at least 10 minutes before your scheduled tour time.
Good to know
The duration of each Penguin Tour is approximately 1 hour, depending on the arrival of the Penguins.
Photography with mobile phones (no flash) is permitted.
Please note that penguin behaviour and guest experience vary seasonally. This is a natural wildlife experience, and no two seasons are the same.
Please note that Bicheno Penguin Tours is operated within the natural habitat of the Little Blue Penguin. The tour involves walking approximately 500 metres over an hour period. The tracks that we walk along are not conducive to wheelchairs, walking frames or prams. All patrons are transported to the tour site via our shuttle bus – all patrons must wear seatbelts during the trip, and all infants must be seated on their parent’s/carer’s lap during the journey.
For Penguin Tours you are required to wear enclosed and comfortable shoes without prominent heels. As the tour is entirely outdoors, we recommend warm comfortable clothing and during the cooler months you are advised to bring a weatherproof jacket.
Please note that the tours will go ahead even if the weather is inclement.
Bicheno Penguin Tours operates in all weather conditions and tours will only be cancelled in weather conditions such as extreme winds. We will postpone tours at our own discretion with the safety of our patrons in mind.
Disclaimer
Once the product has been successfully booked, a confirmation voucher will be issued. The voucher contains important booking details and participation notes. Please read it carefully. If we do not receive any feedback from you, it will be deemed that you have read, understood and accepted all information stated on the voucher.
As an intermediary booking agent, we are responsible for arranging travel product reservations on behalf of customers.
We recommend that customers purchase travel insurance. Travel product suppliers, including attractions, hotels and transportation providers, are directly responsible for the quality, service and safety of the products they provide. We are not liable for safety issues arising from products operated by third-party suppliers.
In the event of an unexpected incident where no travel insurance coverage applies, we will provide reasonable assistance where possible; however, any related costs or losses will be borne by the customer.
If the booking is cancelled due to reasons attributable to the travel product supplier, we will refund the amount paid for the affected booking. No additional compensation will be provided.
No-show: Ticket holders who fail to attend without prior cancellation or notification will not be eligible for a refund.
We will make reasonable efforts to assist customers in communicating and negotiating solutions with travel product suppliers.
When visiting attractions or participating in activities, please strictly follow all instructions provided by the venue and staff. Please ensure that you fully understand the associated risks, including any venue notices or safety waivers that may be required. Customers must cooperate with all safety requirements and must not engage in any dangerous behaviour during the activity.