Monro Beach Walk – Spotting a Fiordland Crested Penguin in New Zealand

The Monro beach walk is only half the fun of this adventure. The gentle downhill sloping walk through a dense moss-covered forest leads to a beautiful beach. Bookended with huge boulders, the waves roll over the coarse sand.

However, the real magic happens while looking out to sea. While Hector’s dolphins are known to play in the surf, it is the rare Fiordland Crested penguins that nest in beach scrub that brought us here.

And nature did not disappoint. We brought our girls and our patience, put down a blanket, and waited. We enjoy the birdlife and watching the surf as it crashed into the rocks or rolled up the beach. Finally, our perseverance was rewarded. Down the beach, a single penguin swam ashore and waddled across the sand.

Monro Beach walk

The walk itself is flat and easy, and there were few people around when we were there. The moss-covered trees add an air of mystery, while the suspension bridge that crosses the river adds some fun.

Spotting penguins on the beach

When we noticed the penguin in the distance, we moved quickly and quietly and were able to get a few shots while keeping well clear of the bird as per the guideline provided by the Department of Conservation. Clearly, not bringing my strongest zoom lens to the beach was a bad choice.

By the time I was close enough to get a decent photo with the zoom lens I had, the penguin was already making its way to a hidden nest in the bush.

Note: I was still keeping a huge distance and taking extreme caution not to disturb the birds.

Getting to the Monro Beach walk

Located between Haast and Franz Josef on the South Island, you will spot the Monro Beach trailhead about 5 km north of Knights Point Lookout, just after you cross the Moeraki River.

From here, it’s a nearly 5km return walk through a coastal forest. The walk is easy, although slightly downhill leading to the beach; therefore, uphill on the way back. Allocate about 90 minutes for walking, plus beach time.

We waited about 2 hours before a penguin to emerged from the water and waddled across the beach.

The Monro Beach walk is one of many recommended stops on any west coast South Island road trip.

Know before doing the Monro Beach walk

• The dense forest leaves little room for the warm sun, so you may want to bring a jacket, regardless of the weather.
• Bring insect repellent.
• Leave only footprints. Be sure to carry out any rubbish with you.
• I can’t say this enough times; these are rare and vulnerable birds, and humans are one of their biggest threats. If you see the penguins, keep your distance. Walk away with only a great story to tell if you don’t have a zoom lens.
• If you enjoy this walk, don’t miss the nearby Ship Creek: Kahikatea Swamp forest walk.
• Still want more? Download the DOC pamphlet on Haast regional walks.

Fiordland Crested penguin facts

Important: If you do see Fiordland Crested Penguins on the beach, keep your distance and do not disturb these rare birds.

• Endemic to New Zealand, the Fiordland Crested penguin (Māori name Tawaki) is one of the world’s rarest penguins according to the NZ Department of Conservation.
• Although Fiordland penguins mate for life, the mating pairs separate for most of the year. The females return to Monro Beach annually and seek out their mate from the prior years.
• Interestingly, the females lay two white eggs then the male incubates them for 30-35 days. Sadly, the Fiordland Crested penguin will only raise one chick each season, so if both hatch, one of the chicks dies of starvation.
• The best time of year to see these penguins is nesting season from July to November. In addition to the Monro Beach walk, Fiordland Crested penguins can be spotted at Milford Sound and Jackson Bay.
• Tawaki are one of nine species of penguin that breed in New Zealand, although only three breeds on the South Island: Tawaki, Yellow-eyed penguin (hoiho) and Little Blue penguin (kororā).

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