An Adelie penguin, native to Antarctica and some subantarctic islands thousands of kilometres away, was sighted roaming on Lower Hutt’s Petone Beach over the weekend.

A Department of Conservation ranger confirmed the black and white penguin was reported to DoC on Saturday morning, near an area where people walk dogs.

“The penguin was spotted in the dog-walking area of Petone Beach, where she could have been at significant risk from curious or excitable pets,” said a DoC ranger.

“Adelie penguins are a rare sight in Wellington, with their usual habitat being Antarctica and some subantarctic islands, although they have been known to arrive in New Zealand from time to time.”

The ranger thanked members of the public “who helped catch the bird” and was grateful “to the dog owners who put their dogs on leads and kept them away until we arrived to collect her”.

The bird has had a health check at Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo, which has been contacted for more information.

Antarctica New Zealand’s Adelie penguin census said they were “the most widespread bird in Antarctica”.

The Australian Antarctic Programme describes the birds as medium-sized, weighing 3kg to 6kg and about 70cm tall.

Adelie penguins are the most widespread bird in Antarctica. Photo / Brett Phibbs

The Adelie is one of five species of penguins that live on the Antarctic continent and breed between October and February, during relatively warmer temperatures.

Another Adelie penguin was seen on St Clair Beach near Dunedin in January, and was due to spend time getting “fattened up” before being released back into the wild.

Azaria Howell is a Wellington-based multimedia reporter with an eye across the region. She joined NZME in 2022 and has a keen interest in city council decisions, public service agency reform and transport.