Guarding the entrance of Breaksea Sound is this cragged, one-square-mile islet with an elevation of 3,766 feet. Breaksea Island is home to a colony of Fiordland crested penguins. This endemic species was considered endangered and bordered on extinction. Then aggressive conservation efforts helped eradicate pests – especially Norway rats – on the island. The distinguished-looking penguin stands two feet tall. The flightless birds have pronounced, yellow eyebrows flaring toward the back of their heads. Also watch for a pod of playful bottlenose dolphins. They love greeting visitors by swimming along your boat.
