An Otago Daily Times reader spotted the erect-crested penguin (tawaki nana hī) on his travels, and has informed the Department of Conservation about its presence near the St Clair Hot Salt Water Pool.
University of Otago zoology department researcher Dr Thomas Mattern said this journey was not uncommon for these "long-distance runners" of the penguin family.
This penguin’s homeland was either the Bounty or Antipodes Islands, about 860km southeast of Stewart Island.
Dr Mattern said young erect-crested penguins spent a lot of time on the move.
"The young birds that haven't got any breeding business to attend to, they sort of roam the oceans the year-round.
"When the time comes for them to moult, they need dry land, and if they're not in the vicinity of their home island, they just make landfall wherever."
Dr Mattern said these sorts of winter journeys could go on for several years.
"So they're like young people in that they go for their OE and then settle down later."
The moulting period for these penguins could last up to four weeks, he said.
"So they completely rely on the body fat resources that they have ... they have to be in a state of zen to just expend as little energy as possible on anything, but growing new feathers."
Dr Mattern advised people to stay at least 20m away from the penguin should they spot one in an unusual habitat.
"Any kind of disturbance just raises their metabolism.
"So they need room. They need to be left alone.
"Selfies are a very bad idea. Keep a distance."
Dr Mattern said they received reports of the penguin being seen in Dunedin every year.
"Compared to all other penguin species, they are just long-distance runners."
Doc staff uplifted the penguin to a safer environment.
The erect-crested are listed on Doc’s website as "declining" and described as "very shy" in the presence of humans.
A Doc spokeswoman said there had been a marked increase in the number of crested penguins ashore to moult this season and many had been underweight.
"Call Doc if you see these penguins.
"Many have been taken to the wildlife hospital for health assessment."
