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We will be in Queenstown and Milford sound around Christmas time. I was just wondering are there any places nearby to see penguins. we dont feel like driving all the way down to Dunedin. are there any closer places. Thanks Vic.
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Penguins near queenstown or milford sound
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No penquins in Queenstown (it is inland, you need to be on the ocean).
There are Fiordland penguins around Doubtful Sound if you make it all the way to the ocean, but I never saw any at Milford Sound.
Vic -
Are you going anywhere other than Queenstown and Milford?
Fiordland Crested penguins are best viewed between July-Nov. I don't think I've ever seen any around Milford either.
More info here:
http://www.penguin.net.nz/viewing/wild.html
thinking of going to dunedin to penguin palace.
Hello Vic,
It is not terribly close to Queenstown, but another terrific option would be Stewart Island, which is known as an eco paradise. The birdlife is tremendous, including kiwi birds, and while I was there I also saw penguins and dolphins. The Island itself is so relaxed and laid back, and with several options for touring the island and areas of historical significance, or taking a scenic cruise - you and your family are sure not to be disappointed. There are options to completely package your trip from Queenstown to include transfers, ferry crossing and touring - you could even do a 2 day/1 night tour. If you have concerns about the length of the journey consider flying into Invercargill in one direction to reduce some of the time spent traveling. The tours for Stewart Island leave from Bluff, noted as the home for what some consider to be the best oysters in the world. Take a look at Real Journeys offer, some great options! Safe travels, Lisa@seeanz.com
thanks lisa. the problem is that we have only 6 nights on the south island. WE are flying into queenstown and want to visit Milford pass, Dunedin, Queenstown, and surronding areas of Glenorchy and Arrowtown. our iteneray is as follows
1)dec 27 arrive in queenstown at 2pm. drive and spend the night at milford lodge
2)dec 28 take 9am boat cruise. Leave right after for dunedin. arrive in dunedin around 5pm and go to penguin palace. spend night in dunedin
3)dec 29 drive back to queenstown visit arrowtown and glenorchy before arriving into queenstown in the evening. (was thinking of spending night in glenorchy)
4) dec 30, 31, 1 relax in queenstown
5) fly back to auckland on jan 02.
I now realize we should have alloted more days for New Zealand. I didnt realize there is soo much to see.
I beg to differ. I saw penguins a couple weeks ago while on the Milford Mariner.
Actually we decided to leave out Dunedin. We will arrive in Milford the night before. Staying at the Milford Lodge. Do you suggest going out for a walk in the evening. IS there much to see. WE will be taking the first cruise out at 9am. Maybe we will see some penguins you never know!