Little Blue thank-you

Olivia Bevin (left) and Julia Mutch (both 8) join a pop-up penguin party which waddled in to Dunedin's Octagon yesterday to celebrate the 5th birthday of Blue Penguins Pukekura.

Otago Peninsula Trust Taiaroa Head operations manager Hoani Langsbury said the event in the city centre provided an opportunity for Dunedin residents to share some birthday cake and win prizes.

In 2012, the Pukekura Trust constructed a viewing platform and boardwalk at Pilots Beach, to provide the most natural way to view little blue penguins - the world's smallest penguin.

''Today's celebration is a thank-you to Dunedin locals for their support of the operation,'' he said.