2011 Yellow Eyed Penguin

Considered to be the world’s rarest penguin, the Yellow-eyed Penguin is the subject of New Zealand Post’s latest annual coin issue, which for the past eight years has showcased native endangered species. Available in pure silver and copper-nickel, this stunning pair of 2011 $5 coins pay tribute to the plight of this flightless bird, arguably New Zealand’s most adorable native.

The Yellow-eyed Penguin – (Megadyptes antipodes), or ‘hoiho’ in Maori – is one of nature’s delights. About 65 centimetres tall and weighing around five kilograms as an adult, it’s easily identified by the distinctive yellow stripe that runs across its bright yellow eyes and around the back of its head. You may have already seen it on the reverse of New Zealand’s $5 bank note, or even on the $1 Yellow-eyed Penguin commemorative coin issued by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand in 1988.