New figures show the Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony is celebrating its best year yet.
More than 80,000 people flocked 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, enhancing the overall experience.
"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," the colony’s new operations and commercial general manager Cyndi Christensen said.
"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."
