Rare Tawaki penguins hatch chicks in South Westland's rainforests

These remarkable birds undertake a 2,000-kilometre swim from their Sub-Antarctic Convergence summer feeding grounds to the West Coast of New Zealand, making one of the longest migrations of any penguin species.

Satellite tracking by the Tawaki Project reveals that over a six-month period, Tawaki may swim nearly 10,000 kilometres in total, a testament to their endurance. Standing at 60cm tall and weighing around 4kg, Tawaki are the third rarest of the world’s 18 penguin species, with an estimated 2,500-3,000 breeding pairs.

They are the only penguins to breed in temperate rainforests, and around 10% of their global population can be found near Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki on the West Coast.

Dr. Gerry McSweeney, from Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki, has been monitoring the Tawaki penguins since 1989 and welcomes their return each year to the coastal forests for their five-month breeding season.

After decades of monitoring, surveys show that this is a healthy, thriving penguin population, a result of dedicated conservation efforts.

The breeding season begins in late July when the female Tawaki lays two eggs at secluded rainforest nesting sites. The male then takes on the role of incubating the eggs for about 28 days while the female heads out to sea to feed.

The penguin chicks have begun to hatch, marking a crucial time for the species' survival. The tiny chicks are kept warm beneath their parents’ feathers, but they remain vulnerable to predators such as stoats and rats, making ongoing pest control efforts critical.

Under a special license from the Department of Conservation (DOC), the Wilderness Lodge offers daily guided penguin trips for guests, allowing them to witness these rare birds in their natural habitat without disturbing them.