Penguin can sea clearly now the oil has gone

It may not be the biggest penguin on the planet but it's one tough customer nonetheless.

This penguin was recovered from Tauranga Harbour about three weeks ago, under weight and covered in oil. It is now recovering at Living Art Wildlife Park in Greerton.

"It took us about a week and a half to get all the oil off him," park operator Mark Paterson said.

The little blue penguin is thought to be three to four months old and is a commonly seen species that nests on the shores around Mauao.