Adventure

Akaroa: Pohatu Penguins Scenic Nature 2-Hour or 4-Hour Tour

Adventure

Akaroa: Pohatu Penguins Scenic Nature 2-Hour or 4-Hour Tour

From US$ 46.94 per person

Join an-eco tour by 4WD from Akaroa to learn about its rich history, flora, and fauna. Marvel at stunning views of Akaroa Harbor, the outer coast, farmland, and forested hillsides. Gain insight into the Pohatu’s penguin conservation program.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
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Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 2 - 4 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English, French

Experience

Highlights
  • Visit Pohatu Bay, a working sheep farm, and a penguin colony
  • Stand on the crater rim of an extinct volcano at a 700-meter high lookout
  • Hear about the area's history from your experienced local guide
  • Monitor penguin nesting boxes (in season) and learn about 30 years of conservation efforts
  • Choose between a 2-hour or 4-hour tour for the best fit to your trip
Full description
Join a 4WD eco-tourism safari to the spectacular award-winning Wild Side Conservation area. Depart Akaroa for a scenic drive in a 4WD minivan over the crater rim of the Akaroa volcano to Pohatu Flea Bay. Along the way, learn the region's history from your local guide. Stop for photo opportunities with views of Akaroa harbor and the Pacific Ocean. Arrive at a local family's farm where you can meet friendly pet sheep and hand-feed them for a real kiwi experience. In season, monitor nesting sites with your guide and learn about the conservation work done for the largest colony of little penguins on mainland New Zealand. At certain times of the year, you may even see some of the rehabilitation efforts such as supplemental feeding. The extended 4-hour tour includes visits to the spectacular cliff-tops of Akaroa Heads Lighthouse Reserve. You will have more time to enjoy the area with homemade muffins and cakes, and more time to see the native wildlife and to explore Flea Bay. This activity directly funds the conservation work that takes place at Pohatu Bay to protect the penguins.
Includes
  • Scenic transport by 4WD minivan
  • Photo stops
  • Experienced guide
  • Live commentary
  • Tea, coffee, and muffin or cake on the 4-hour tour
    Not suitable for
    • Wheelchair users
    • People with mobility impairments

    Select participants and date

    Participants

    Date

    Meeting point

    Unit 2, 8 Rue Balguerie, Akaroa. Look for the shade sails on the building located behind the BNZ building on Rue Lavaud.

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    Important information

    What to bring

    • Comfortable shoes
    • Camera
    • Water

    Not allowed

    • Smoking
    • Flash photography

    Know before you go

    • Although the Pohatu penguins form part of this tour, this is a nature tour focused on the rich history of the area, rather than the penguins
    • The native wildlife and penguins can be seen in season
    • No refunds for cancelation within 24 hours (unless the tour is canceled by the local partner)
    • Most of the penguin rehabilitation occurs from mid-November to mid-February so to prevent crowding the penguins only those on the extended 4-hour tour will be able to view the rehabilitation
    Customer reviews

    Overall rating

    4.9 /5

    based on 38 reviews

    Review summary

    • Guide
      4.8/5
    • Transportation
      4.8/5
    • Service
      4.8/5
    • Organization
      4.5/5

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    It was an amazing tour! I’m so glad we got this 2 hours tour, my mom even she didn’t understand English (I was translating) she fully enjoyed it and was amazed by the conservation. Thank you a lot for everything you do, I will recommend this tour to all my friends❤️

    April 1, 2023

    These people are the most dedicated to wildlife that we have met. Their knowledge enguins is first class and at the end of the two hour trip we were still at the bay and rescued a penguin that had come ashore and was in serious trouble that would have died but for their intervention. They then took it to the vet in Christchurch. We had a great 2 hours ( nearly 4 ! ) and recommend everyone to go and suport them.

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    April 1, 2023

    Beautiful drive out to the farm, with interesting commentary on the history of the area. Once we arrived at the farm, we hand fed the sheep and looked in a few of the boxes for penguins, either young ones waiting to be fed, or older ones moulting. Our guide was extremely enthusiastic about "her" penguins, and the efforts her family has made to protect the little blue penguins. A great way to see the area and support the protection of these little rare birds.

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    April 1, 2023

    Product ID: 192405