Excursion Akaroa potahu penguins tour at Akaroa

Pohatu Penguins is a family- owned and operated eco- tourism business with 30+ years history of advocating and helping to fund the protection of Korora (Little Penguin) on the family farm in Pohatu/Flea Bay. Our guides are all conservationists, friends and family - with years of working in penguin conservation, a passion for sharing their stories and a wealth of local knowledge passed down several generations.

Pohatu is the largest Australasian Little Penguin colony on mainland New Zealand and the family has worked over the last three decades protecting Korora/White-Flippered Penguins (Eudyptula minor albosignata), Canterbury's own variant of Australasian Little Penguin, from introduced predators.

Take a breathtaking scenic drive by 4WD transportation from Akaroa to Pohatu bay on some of Banks Peninsula back country roads.

Cross Akaroa’s  extinct volcano and photo opportunities you will discover tranquil Pohatu bay where you will set off for a walk around the colony to monitor nesting sites and make sure that our Little Penguins are doing well. Then, you will have the unique opportunity to spot some undisturbed from our hides, socializing on the water with provided binoculars and telescope.

This is a wonderful option for people who wish to take part in our monitoring program and discover more, in depth, about our conservation efforts. This gives you great insight into the life of a penguin and the chance to see the birds up-close and a unique opportunity to watch them socializing on the water.

Take a short drive back to Wharf in Akaroa.

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for up to 219 yards (about 200 metres), at times over uneven, grassy, and natural surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and 50 intermittent steps at the venue. Walking at the Giant's House and Sculpture Garden is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, and bottled water from the ship.