Pohatu Penguins, Tours, Akaroa, New Zealand 

Pohatu Penguins offers unique nature and sea kayak tours from Akaroa, near Christchurch, New Zealand. The tour options all visit Pohatu Marine Reserve at a small coastal bay nestled between dramatic volcanic headlands on Banks Peninsula. Pohatu is home to the largest Little Penguin colony on mainland New Zealand. It is considered by some to be the largest colony of its kind in Australasia.

Francis and Shireen Helps have protected the White-flippered penguins on their property for more than two decades and have won recognition in a number of awards for their work in penguin and habitat conservation. The four wheel drive penguin evening tour is a tour to see penguins in their natural environment rather than some of the more organized tourist attractions elsewhere.

Sea kayaking enables you to enjoy the spectacular scenery and wildlife of Pohatu Marine Reserve during the day. A large fleet of safe stable doubles and experienced guides enables even the inexperienced to enjoy an unforgettable experience.

Scenic 4 Wheel drive scenic nature tours will enable the less adventurous to experience this special area and wildlife at a more relaxed pace. You will experience a wider range of endemic wildlife amongst dreamlike landscapes.

On our 24 hour package you will spend a night in the middle of the penguin colony in our cosy accommodation and have free time to experience what makes Pohatu so special. 

Photos acknowledgement: Penguins - Adam Colley; Kayaking & Scenery - Elmar Best