Department of Conservation officer, David Agnew rescues a Yellow Eyed Penguin (hoiho) at St Clair beach early on Friday evening.
The penguin was spotted by local amateur wildlife photographer Steve Ferguson, in a very distressed state, trying repeatedly to climb sandbank to the safety of tussock bushes nearby.
Mr Agnew said the penguin was a mature male, showing signs of molt and was very thin.
There is a wound under the penguin's left wing, but Mr. Agnew thought this was only superficial. Unique to New Zealand, the Yellow Eyed Penguin is thought to be the world's rarest penguin.
This penguin has been taken to Penguin Place on the Peninsula to recuperate.
