The best time to visit Antarctica is between November and March - the months when the sun rises above the horizon, the sea ice melts enough to allow access, and the temperatures nudge above freezing. Answer 1 of 10: Hi, I plan to go to New Zealand in March of next year, which is the best place, the easiest place to see them? Answer 1 of 25: My husband and I are spending 3 nights in Dunedin on our anniversary trip to New Zealand. April is the time to relish some crisp, sunny days, bright blue skies, and chilly nights. The best time to see dolphins & whales in New Zealand is May – Jul in the North Island. The yellow-eyed penguins are the most threatened of New Zealand's three species. It's an awesome experience to watch them waddle in throughout the evening after their hunt for fish at sea. Depending on the time of year you visit does dictate what you will see. Predators, fishing, climate change, and habitat loss have all contributed to dwindling penguin numbers in New Zealand. It is cute how they walk and jump to their burrows between the rocks and making noise. However the biggest disadvantage is that it is also the busiest time of year for both local holiday makers and international tourists. Penguins in New Zealand - Penguin viewing sites. The penguins at St Kilda pier are present year-round. It is known as the world's second rarest species of penguin. New Zealand Blue, yellow-eyed, and Fiordland crested penguins can be relatively easily viewed at various sites around the South and Stewart Islands. New Zealanders are lucky enough to share their home with fascinating creatures. Nevertheless, there are several places around the country where it's easy to see them, and doing so helps contribute to their conservation. The endangered Yellow-Eyed Penguin (Hoiho) nest in the coastal vegetation in and around the Otago Peninsula, hidden away from other birds and humans.Dunedin is one of the few places in New Zealand to see these beautiful birds in wild, going about the daily business of life on the beaches and amongst the sand dunes. To spot as many as possible, you need to visit at the right time of day and during the right season. This species chooses to inhabit rainforest areas. Tawaki Penguin also known as Fiordant Crested Penguin breaks the stereotype according to which all the penguins live near the coast surrounded by icebergs. Little Blue Penguins – the world’s smallest penguin – are also local to the area and can be witnessed returning from fishing in comedic groups or ‘rafts’ as they are known, before waddling up to their burrows to feed their young. In the South Island you can see Sperm and Humpback whales in Jun & Jul, and Orca from Nov - Feb. For that reason it is recommended that they be viewed from hides or in the company of a tour operator. We want to see both Penguin Place and the Albatross Centre. Penguins need privacy Yellow-eyed penguins are shy and easily disturbed. Travelling in summer has the advantage of the best overall weather. The rare hoiho, or yellow-eyed penguin, is distinguished by its vivid yellow eye band.