Pohatu Penguins / Wildlife Experience
Christchurch
Local Pick
At a glance
Ideal for
CouplesFamilies With ChildrenGroups
Features
A View To Die ForNatureWildlife
Price
Moderately Priced
Pohatu Penguins is based in Akaroa, 80km south of Christchurch. With extensive experience in penguin preservation and marine conservation, your guides will ensure you get a personal tour of this incredible marine reserve, with their bespoke, tailored Pohatu Package.
The Pohatu Package features an overnight stay in historic and cosy private units in the middle of the penguin colony and working sheep farm with rare breeds sheep. Enjoy the safe swimming beach just outside your door or explore the surrounding and secluded landscape.
The Package Includes:
- A stunning scenic drive up 700 meters to the edge of Akaroa extinct volcano crater rim with photo stops along the way.
- Visit to the spectacular cliff-tops of the Akaroa Heads Lighthouse Reserve.
- Opportunity to walk along the river and waterfalls of the Tutakakahikura Scenic Reserve. Fully forested and downhill walk part of the well-known Banks Track. 3-hour & 1.5-hour options available.
- FREE Evening Penguin Tour (if in season).
- Highly discounted sea-kayaking. You pay $40/55 vs. $110.
- Gaze up at the night sky to see the brilliant Milkyway.
- Accommodation that is meters way from a safe swimming beach.
- Access to fully equipped facilities including communal kitchen and shower.
What To Bring:
- Food for 24 to 48 hours depending on package selection.
- Warm clothing for the evening.
- If kayaking, clothes you don’t mind getting wet.
- Hiking boots/shoes or athletic shoes for the bush walk.
Departures at 12.00pm from Akaroa.
Extend your adventure by a further 24 hours by opting for the 48 Hours Package.
Pricing:
- Discovery Tours (2 hours)
- Adult: $105
- Child: $55
- Infant: $35
- Family (2 adults and up to 3 children): $310
- Discovery Tours (Half Day)
- Adult: $160
- Child: $105
- Infant: $75
- Family (2 adults and up to 3 children): $455
- Evening Tour
- Adult: $125
- Child: $85
- Infant: $55
- Kayaking
- Adult: $140 to $155
- Child: $105
Infant = 2 to 4 years old
Child = 5 to 15 years old
*NOTE: Food and drink is not included in the packages.
Bookings & More Info:
For bookings and more info, visit the Pohatu Package website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Pōhatu schedules tours to allow ample time for cruise passengers to return to Akaroa. Pick-up and drop-off are provided at the main wharf, and the latest tours usually return between 4:00 pm and 4:30 pm.
Unfortunately not. Cruise ship tenders do not arrive early enough for the 8:00 am departure from the Pōhatu office.
Suitability depends on the child’s ability and confidence. Trips are arranged according to each participant’s aptitude. Pōhatu generally recommends kayaking for children aged 11 years and older. Children must be accompanied by an adult in a sturdy double kayak, and no previous kayaking experience is required.
Yes. Pōhatu regularly accommodates guests travelling by shuttle, bus, or cruise connections. Guests should advise their guide of any time restrictions, and the team will ensure they return on time.
Free overnight parking is available in Akaroa. Guests may leave their vehicle beside the Pōhatu office or, if preferred, at a private property with complimentary shuttle transfers arranged by the team.
Yes, guests may choose a self-drive option or drive to Flea Bay independently. A 4WD vehicle is required because the road is steep, narrow, winding, and unsealed.
Although Flea Bay can be accessed by 4WD, the main penguin colony and conservation area are located on private property and are not accessible to the public. Visitors cannot enter the protected area, camp there, or remain in the area during or after sunset.
Evening Penguin Tours operate only when penguins are present in the area, so guests are guaranteed to see penguins in their nesting sites. During the breeding season, there is a very high chance of seeing penguins returning ashore. Nature Tours continue to operate even when penguins are not present, as they include additional wildlife and scenic highlights.
The best viewing period is the breeding season from late August to December. Moulting adults can often be seen in January and February. From late February to early April penguins are generally absent, while good viewing opportunities can also occur from mid-April to September as birds periodically return from the sea.
Departure is usually about 2.5 hours before sunset, and the exact time varies throughout the year. Guests are encouraged to contact Pōhatu for the confirmed departure time on their chosen date.
