Work begins on Penguin Colony car park project

Published on 06 September 2023

Ōamaru’s Blue Penguin Colony (OBPC) car park will be closed as a significant upgrade and development of the site takes place.

The aim of the project is to create a robust and safe long-term car park that meets the vehicle parking needs of the OBPC and other users of the southern end of the harbour.

The work will include clearing vegetation, sealing the car park surface and clearly marking spaces for cars, camper vans and buses. This will address existing issues with congestion and overflow at the current car park.

Upgraded lighting in the car park will increase the safety of the site at night time, while functional drainage will also protect the Council’s infrastructure improvements and improve the experience of people parking at the site. The project, budgeted at $450,000, is expected to be completed by October 31 2023. While the work is being carried out, temporary car parking is available adjacent to the North Otago Powerboat and Yacht Club, and the Red Sheds nearby. Sealing and marking the Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony will be another achieved goal of the Ōamaru Harbour Plan, and will create a more welcoming environment for visitors to the colony.