A Journey to Discover 19 Penguin Species: From Antarctica to New Zealand

Starting at Macquarie Island

It was a tranquil day on Macquarie Island—a beautiful land nestled between New Zealand and Antarctica. Typically, this place faces cold winds and relentless rain. However, today I found myself lounging on a black sand beach, relaxing under a cloudy sky. A curious group of royal penguins waddled by, stopping to inspect my shoes and giving me a quick once-over.

I turned around and spotted two more royal penguins. I quickly pulled out my phone to snap a photo. These birds are native to Macquarie Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and this was my first time seeing them—an exciting highlight in my quest to discover 19 different penguin species in the wild.

Penguin Spotting in South Africa

In January 2020, after an afternoon of wine tasting in Cape Town, my driver suggested a trip to see penguins. I had no idea there were penguins in South Africa! But the chance to see them in their natural habitat was too good to pass up.

When we arrived at Stony Point Nature Reserve in Betty's Bay, dozens of African penguins were happily waddling around. They were absolutely adorable! At that time, I wasn't particularly interested in birds, but my journey to Antarctica in December 2021 changed everything.

A Meeting with Albatrosses

As I crossed the Drake Passage, I watched albatrosses gliding majestically across half the globe, sparking my newfound fascination with the avian world. Only the penguins represented my adventure to Antarctica. On our Zodiacs, they danced alongside us, and once ashore, the snowy coverings beneath their feet made me burst into laughter.

Notable Penguin Species

One evening, after a day spent observing penguins, a guide shared his dream of seeing every penguin species. It sounded both thrilling and challenging, as many species are found in remote locations even more inaccessible than Antarctica.

Traveling in New Zealand

During a two-week holiday in New Zealand with my husband, our penguin “safari” turned into a true mission. We planned to see three main species on land: the yellow-eyed penguin, the little blue penguin, and the Fiordland penguin.

We climbed to the top of a hill overlooking Bushy Beach, which would close in the afternoon to protect the shy penguins. Eventually, we spotted one lone penguin crossing the sand and disappearing into the darkness.

Competing with Other Penguin Species

By signing up for a tour with Natures Wonders, we had the opportunity to observe many little blue penguins in protected reserves. My penguin conquest didn’t stop there; I continued with another journey—an 18-day cruise across the Atlantic with National Geographic Explorer, where I had even more chances to witness penguins.

Exploration and Connection

Upon arriving at Bleaker Island in the Falkland Islands, we were greeted by a bustling crowd of Gentoo penguins. In South Georgia, witnessing penguins in their millions was truly unforgettable.

The Concept of Conservation

Finally, I had the chance to meet a retired writer named Sandi, who was also fulfilling her dream of seeing penguins. She had faced many challenges, but ultimately, her dream became a reality.

Useful Information for Vietnamese Travelers

If you're planning a journey similar to mine, keep in mind that obtaining a visa for New Zealand and Australia is essential. The best time to travel is during spring and summer, from September to March. Flight prices from Vietnam to New Zealand usually range from 15 million to 25 million VND, depending on when you book.

Be prepared for leisurely boat trips, explore the wilderness, and don’t forget to bring your camera to capture those memorable moments. Lastly, cherish and protect the natural world that we are exploring.

This article is adapted and edited from the source: Condé Nast Traveler