Fiordland crested penguin/tawaki

Fiordland crested penguin conservation

The current tawaki population is between 2,500 and 3,000 breeding pairs and has been in decline since the 1950s.

Human disturbance and predation

Tawaki are highly susceptible to human disturbance when nesting. There is a concern that increased nature tourism in South Westland and Fiordland may disturb breeding birds and cause nests to fail.

Stoats and dogs pose a serious risk to tawaki colonies. Stoats prey on both chicks and sick or injured adults, while a single dog has the potential to wipe out an entire colony.

Spotting tawaki

You can spot tawaki at Munro Beach, near Lake Moeraki 30 km north of Haast. A walking track leads from Lake Moeraki to the beach, and guided tours are conducted from the Lake Moeraki Wilderness Lodge. Tawaki can also be seen in Milford Sound and at Jackson Bay.

The best time of year to see tawaki is during the breeding season from July to November. They can sometimes be seen during the moulting season from mid-January to early March.

Tawaki are very timid, so do not approach birds, nests or areas of beach where penguin tracks are common.

You can help

Keep our penguins safe

• Leave penguins alone. Usually scruffy birds are simply moulting.
• Put your dog on a leash around penguin areas.
• Keep your dog away from nests, and warn others nearby of the location.
• Donate your time or money to help penguin protection groups, such as the Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust and Forest & Bird.

If you find a dead or injured penguin

If you find a dead penguin, leave it alone. Community groups regularly count dead seabirds and will remove them from beaches.

If a sick penguin is at risk from attack by dogs or other predators, place it under vegetation in the rear-dune well away from people. Or you can take it to a local bird rescue centre.  

Do not give emaciated penguins food. The rehabilitation of seabirds requires specialist knowledge and training.

If a penguin is clearly injured or in immediate danger, contact the emergency hotline 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468). Try and give the exact location and take photos to help us make an assessment.

Help protect our native birds

When visiting parks, beaches, rivers, and lakes

• Check for pests when visiting pest-free islands.
• Leave nesting birds alone.
• Use available access ways to get to the beach. 
• Avoid leaving old fishing lines on beaches or in the sea.
• Follow the water care code and local navigation bylaws.
• Don't drive on riverbeds, or keep to formed tracks if you have to.

When out with your dog

• Only take dogs to areas that allow them, and keep them under control.
• If you come across wildlife put your dog on a lead and lead it away. 
• Warn other dog owners at the location.
• Notify DOC if you see wildlife being harassed by people or dogs.

Other ways to help

• Get your dog trained in avian awareness.
• Volunteer to control predators and restore bird habitats.
• Set predator traps on your property.
• Keep your cat in at night.

Coastal wildlife and your dog flyer (PDF, 1,170K) 

Contact

For more information about the Fiordland crested penguin/tawaki contact: