The Hoiho (Yellow-eyed Penguin) is probably the world’s rarest penguin. They can be seen scrambling out of the sea onto rocky and sandy beaches at night and sometimes climb considerable distances and over difficult ground to reach grassy nesting areas. Breeding is concentrated in the South Island, on the coastal areas of Canterbury, Otago and Southland, Stewart and Campbell Islands and the remote Auckland Islands. The Yellow-eyed Penguin has a semi-musical voice, unlike the usual harsh calls of many penguins.

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