The sheer numbers were "a significant conservation milestone" and a "testament to decades of sustained effort", Oamaru Penguins said.
One particularly busy pair of little penguins (kororā) raised six chicks during the season, a "rare feat" for a species that typically raises two young.
Science and environmental manager Philippa Agnew said between May last year and April, 994 young birds fledged at the North Otago town’s visitor colony and a separate non-visitor control site, both managed by Oamaru Penguins.
Dr Agnew said a "strong breeding performance" was recorded across both sites, including several "rare" triple-brooding pairs that successfully raised multiple chicks.
"Seasons like this are the result of decades of careful management, predator control and close monitoring," she said.
"Part of the reason we've seen a particularly good season is that the 2024-25 season was so challenging.
"The breeding season for 2025-26 started early as a result, allowing for those multiple broods we've seen."
Dr Agnew said while it was encouraging to see such strong breeding outcomes, long-term monitoring and research was "more important than ever to keep these results up".
Individual penguins were microchipped and regular nest checks took place at the colonies, in order to monitor breeding outcomes, chick growth rates and seasonal patterns, she said.
Following the successful season, staff at the colonies will start winter monitoring and preparing for the next breeding season.
The results of this year’s season will be presented at the Birds New Zealand’s annual conference and the 12th International Penguin Conference on Phillip Island later this year.
"Even though the penguins have finished their breeding season, they will continue to come and go at the colony over the next few months, renewing their pair bonds and building their nests, so there’s still plenty for visitors to come and see," Dr Agnew said.
Penguin Awards to mark the end of the season
Most Valuable Breeding Pair (MVBP): One pair successfully raised six chicks over the course of the season, a "rare feat" for a species that typically raises two.
Chonkiest chick: The season’s heaviest chick weighed in at an impressive 1.65kg at just seven weeks old, about 600g heavier than the average for that age.
Biggest homebody: One penguin was recorded ashore during 25 monitoring sessions.
Heaviest moulter: Prior to moulting, one penguin weighed 1.99kg, almost double the species’ typical body weight.
Best nest defender: A particularly defensive penguin became well known to monitoring staff for launching attacks during nest box checks.
Greediest chick: One chick gained 470g in a single week, increasing its body weight by 87% over seven days.
Most stress-inducing penguin: One penguin disappeared for a month while carrying a video logger typically worn for just a day, before eventually returning – with the device still attached.
