History

The area where the penguin colony is located was once a quarry where rock was taken for the development of the Oamaru Harbour. The quarry ceased operating in the 1970s and the site was abandoned. After this, the penguins began coming ashore and nesting in the old quarry.

1992 – After much debate about what to do about the penguins and the quarry, it was decided to clean the area out and set it aside as breeding habitat for the penguins to use. 

1993
The colony was managed by a team of volunteers.

1994
Two people were employed as full time guides and for penguin welfare monitoring.

1995
The colony received the Otago Regional Council’s Environmental Award.

1997
The Waitaki Development Board took over administration of the colony and a Penguin Protection Advisory Committee was formed.

2001
The Visitors’ Centre was opened

2002
A 350 seat grandstand was completed

2006
The Visitors Centre was extended to provide an interpretation area for daytime visitors.