A group of small blue penguins in New Zealand have had their own underpass built to protect them from traffic and give them privacy from tourists keen to take pictures.

The passage was built to help the birds commute between their nests and the sea at Oamaru Harbour, Otago, on the east coast of the South Island. They are members of the world’s smallest penguin species, typically about 30cm (1ft) tall and weighing around 1kg (2lb).

“The project was supported by the local Waitaki district council, as well as a number of private businesses who offered labour, materials, and advice,” Jason Gaskill, the general manager of Tourism Waitaki Limited, said.

Power and water supply lines were moved so the 25m (80ft) tunnel could be positioned along the penguins’ usual route, New Zealand media said.

Blue penguins, which are also found along the coastlines of southern Australia, usually live up to 10 years and walk on land with a distinct forward stoop.