Penguin Place is out on the Otago peninsula. It's best to book ahead which can be done by phone or by queuing at the tourist information office in Dunedin. We get a ticket and an allotted time for your tour.
There is plenty of parking at Penguin Place and there is a small gift shop too. The idea of Penguin Place is to educate people about penguins in particular Yellow Eyed Penguins. The tour takes you through tunnels which cannot be seen above ground and gives you the opportunity of being close to the penguins.
Penguin Place takes the penguins very seriously, penguins have right of way should you find one in the tunnels, photos can be taken only if the flash is covered so you don't blind them, quiet around the penguins is important so no small screaming children. The idea is to show you penguins in their natural environment whilst protecting it for them. There aren't just penguins here either, there are lots of birds and your guide will be happy to talk at length about them all.
It is possible you won't see a penguin during your tour but they go to great lengths to ensure that doesn't happen.