Name: Pōhatu Penguin Tours, Akaroa, Canterbury
Address: Unit 3, 8 Rue Balguerie, Akaroa, Akaroa, Canterbury, 7542, New Zealand
Telephone: +64 3 304 8542

Akaroa Penguins

The evening penguin tour will allow you to observe penguin in the wild and learn how 30+ years of conservation effort have saved the Flea Bay colony. Join your guide on their daily monitoring program allowing a close encounter with penguins in nesting sites and with binoculars and scope spot penguins socialising on the water with a high likelihood of viewing some coming ashore below our hides just before dark.

The tour runs all year long but from end of February to early April as all penguins are at sea. Over winter, although it is very rare not to have a single penguin in the bay, we do have some lower viewing windows so feel free to call ahead.

In addition, tours booked late November to February may have the opportunity to see up-close rehabilitation efforts such as feedings and swim therapy (call ahead to see if we have rescued penguins in rehab).

Tour Includes:

4WD transportation from Akaroa to Pōhatu Bay via 4WD minibus, traversing Banks Peninsula’s scenic backcountry roads

A warm welcome by rare sheep breeds, which can be hand-fed

An informative conservation walk and talk within the penguin habitat

Monitoring penguin nesting sites to observe the colony’s activity

Using camouflage gear, binoculars, and a scope, watch penguins up close as they preen, rest, and socialize in the bay

The chance to witness penguins coming ashore near the hides as dusk falls

Only in Akaroa for the day? If you’re short on time but still want to experience the beauty of Akaroa’s wildlife, consider our Scenic Nature tours, where you can get an up-close look at penguins in their natural nesting sites. Perfect for a memorable day trip!

Akaroa Nature Tour

Our scenic nature tours are trips for those wishing something a little less adventurous and more leisurely but wanting to find out about the Peninsula’s biodiversity including anything from birds to insects and the conservation effort to protect the penguins. Stunning views of Akaroa harbour, the outer-coast, farm land and forested hillsides. Be welcomed by friendly pet sheep only asking one thing from you: to be hand fed provided treats.

We offer 2 and 4 hour tours. Choose the 4-hour option and you will also enjoy a visit to the spectacular cliff-tops of Akaroa Head Lighthouse reserve, more time to see native wildlife such as New Zealand fur seals and finally relax at Flea Bay with complementary tea, coffee and baked goodies.

Spend a night in the middle of a Penguin Colony.

24 hour and 48 hour packages available

The 24 hour Pōhatu Package is a popular option including all of our activities and offering more time to explore this special area. All transportation and accommodation with access to full kitchen facilities and all bedding provided.

There are several unique accommodation options to suit most with a Cottage for families, a Gipsy cabin for a romantic couple or a Tree house for the quirkiness.

Complementary evening penguin in season, highly discounted sea-kayaking safari and time to explore and relax this tranquil bay or even going for a swim from the safe beach meters away from the doorstep of your accommodation.

Scenic nature tours are included and you can join the sea-kayaking safari at a highly discounted price. Please note food is not included in the package. There is an option to spend an extra day at the accommodation to provide time to check out some of the beautiful walks on the property.

Penguin Tours

Wildlife Sea-kayaking Safari

Wildside Discovery Tour

24/48 hour Pōhatu package – Farmstay

Farmstay accommodation rental

Hike and Kayak

Kayaking and Evening tour

Akaroa Wildlife Pass

Akaroa Experience package

Team building activities

Outdoor education activities

Group tours