$400k penguin platform for Otago

File photo / Granville Jones, Oamaru Mail

A $400,000 penguin-viewing platform is to be built on the Otago Peninsula.

The group behind the venture, Pukekura Trust, was yesterday granted consent for the four-level platform and walkways at Pilots Beach, on the east side of the Otago Harbour.

Under the proposal, groups of up to 50 people would pay to view the penguins coming ashore at dusk.

The reserve is owned by Dunedin City Council, which has agreed to lease the area to the trust.

- NZPA