Hoiho / Yellow-eyed Penguin
A rare native bird. A beautiful silhouette. A real conservation impact.
Say hello to the Hoiho (Yellow-eyed Penguin), a true taonga of Aotearoa and was the Forest and Bird "Bird of the Year" in 2024. Known for its piercing call, golden eye band, and fiercely loyal parenting instincts, the Hoiho is one of the world’s rarest penguins… and now, one of the most striking additions to your backyard.
We have created a cool bundle with the current Bird of the Year winner, the Kārearea, and the 2023 Bird of the Year winner (and Bird of the Century), the Pūteketeke, if you want to keep supporting Forest and Bird's amazing work (and in case you enjoy a little discount!)
Cut from weathering Corten® steel and built to last, this Hoiho is ready to stand tall in your garden, on your deck, or by your front gate. Whether it’s a gift for a wildlife lover or a tribute to a resilient spirit, this penguin makes a bold, meaningful statement.
Our Hoiho is:
✓ Life-sized and full of character – 31 cm high × 15 cm wide (includes stake), approx. 300g
✓ Easy to gift – Ships flat in our standard A4 box (31 × 21 × 1 cm)
✓ Weathering naturally – Made from 3 mm Corten® steel that forms a beautiful patina
✓ Locally made – Proudly cut and crafted in NZ by a family-run workshop
✓ Thoughtful & meaningful – A symbol of strength, endurance, and care
Style With
Hoiho / Yellow-eyed Penguin
AS SEEN IN
Each Metalbird is crafted from Corten® Steel, a premium, weathering steel made to last.
When it meets the elements, it doesn’t rust like your old BBQ. It transforms.
That change you’re seeing? That’s patina. A tough, protective outer layer that seals the steel, adds character, and preserves your bird for decades.
This isn’t paint. It’s nature’s way of ageing gracefully.
The Patina Process:
At first, you’ll notice bright orange spots (we call this the teenage phase). Soon enough, the whole bird will turn a bold orange, slowly shifting into deep burnt umber. Eventually, it settles into a moody charcoal that feels like it’s always belonged.
The Result? A piece of industrial art with a heartbeat. No peeling, no fading, just a bird that gets better with age.
