Hoiho (Yellow eyed penguin)

I woke really early so thought I'd head out for dawn shots from Katiki Lighthouse,.  I was only going to photograph the bay but by the time I got there I was really too late for the best light so decided I might as well walk down to see if there were any penguins or seals about.

Most of the penguins were still tucked up and warm in their burrows (or already out on the open sea) but this one was contemplating the waves and girding himself to brave the water.  

He did eventually.  Then it was just me and the half a dozen seals on the beach.