In the New Zealand region, the rockhopper can be found on the sub-antarctic islands Campbell, Auckland and Antipodes. Juveniles occasionally straggle to the New Zealand mainland. Easily distinguished as adults by their prominent yellow crest and bright red eyes. All other crested penguins have darker eyes. Sexes alike, although males are larger with more robust bills.
Juveniles have only a faint crest and have white mottling on the chin and throat.
Habitat Inhabitants of the sun-antarctic oceans, the rockhoppers breed in colonies on rocky coasts, often climbing very steep faces to breed under overhangs or caves. Will often breed alongside erect-crested penguins. Breeding 2 eggs are laid, but only one is incubated The males return to their breeding colonies in October, the females following two weeks later. Competition for nest sites can be fierce and fighting is common. A simple nest of stones and vegetation is made and two eggs are laid, however only the second and larger egg is incubated.