Kayaking and Penguin tour

Kayaking and Evening tour

Scenic 4WD mini-van drive
Photo opportunities
Fully experienced guides
All gear provided

Start with a ride over to Pohatu with photo stops and commentary as you go. Once in the bay get set up for the kayaking trip, a safety talk and wildlife code to ensure safe behaviours and get on the water to encounter Pohatu marine reserve resident wildlife.
Explore the bay with our knowledgeable guides who know where to look to spot resident New Zealand fur seals, Hector’s dolphins that frequently visit the bay, Penguins on the rocks (in season) and many sea-birds and deep sea-caves to enter on calm conditions.

After the kayaking activity you will have time before the Evening penguin tour starts. You can either relax or explore some of the accessible walking tracks through ancient forest.
You will also have free access to our bathroom block where you can take a shower and our communal kitchen where you can cook your dinner before the evening penguin tour which will start from the Helps homestead at the time you have been told by your kayaking guide.

You will head for a conservation walk and talk and monitor a couple of penguin nesting boxes giving you a good opportunity to see these little guys up close. We hike out to hides on the side of the hills and observe the bay from above to spot penguins that are frequently seen socializing on the water. And just before night fall, we may get lucky and see some coming ashore under the hides. We leave before it gets too dark as this is penguin hour and they need to get up the hills to their waiting chicks without disturbance from us.

Itinerary
  • 12pm departure from our office in Akaroa for a scenic drive to Pohatu marine reserve and the sea-kayaking safari
  • 3, 3.30pm finish with the sea-kayaking
  • Free time to relax or explore some of our walking tracks and ancient forest
  • Free access to a communal kitchen for your diner and shower facilities.
  • Evening penguin tour: departure changes due to the sunset so check with the guide for the meeting time and instruction
  • Return in Akaroa after dark and in the height of summer this could be as late at 10.45pm.
What to Bring
  • Backpack for your belongings,
  • Food for snacks and dinner,
  • A water bottle, which can be refilled at our communal kitchen,
  • Clothes comfortable for kayaking, wear layers just in case it’s too hot or cold, bring a spare change just in case you do get a little wet,
  • Rain jacket,
  • Shoes you can hike in,
  • Sun protection.
Kayaking / Evening tour
Departure time
12:00pm
Tour Length
7 to 10 hours depending on the time of the year
Scenic transport included
Free access to facilities for dinner and shower
Adult

$210

Child 5 - 15 Years Old*

$120

Group or family concession;
4 or more:
$180 per adult 
What to bring
  • Back pack for your belongings,
  • Food for snacks and dinner,
  • A water bottle, which can be refilled at our communal kitchen,
  • Clothes comfortable for kayaking, wear layers just in case it’s too hot or cold, bring a spare change just in case you do get a little wet,
  • Rain jacket,
  • Shoes you can hike in,
  • Sun protection.
Pohatu Penguins pohatu.co.nz - Spherical Image - RICOH THETA
If you have young children:

We prefer that children are at least 8 years of age. All customers are placed in safe, double kayaks and each child will be paired with an adult. Please bear in mind that your guide has the final say as to whether or not it is safe for you and your child to kayak. This can vary depending on sea conditions, personal fitness and kayaking abilities. Toddlers and or infants are not allowed no matter sea conditions or personal ability.

PLEASE NOTIFY US AHEAD OF TIME IF YOU HAVE A CHILD.

Following our conversation, if you do decide to book, please bear in mind that the guides on the day will be sole judges if this activity is suitable for your children, depending on weather and sea conditions. If the guides deem this unsuitable a 50% refund will be offered or the option of joining our Full Scenic Nature Safari.

Risk disclosure:

Sea kayaking at Pohatu/Flea bay has risks and can be dangerous. The outercoast of Akaroa harbor is characterised by: remoteness, rapidly changing and sometimes extreme weather and water conditions, cold water and limited kayak landing sites

.

Detailed risk management and strict safety procedures are observed, however, there still remains an element of risk. Pohatu penguins/plunge NZ Ltd cannot absolutely guarantee participants’ safety. Pohatu penguins/plunge NZ Ltd accepts its legal responsibilities but cannot be held responsible for personal injury or for loss, theft or damage of/to your equipment outside legal responsibilities.

Clients must listen carefully to and follow guides’ instructions and adhere to safety requirements. In regards of our cancellation policy see the following link: Cancellation policy