Farmstay accommodation rental

Accommodation

Cute rare sheep breeds

Evening penguin tour included

Private walks and hikes to explore

30 minutes' drive from Akaroa, on the south-eastern corner of Banks peninsula is Pōhatu/Flea bay, the perfect place for your next farmstay. As soon as you arrive you will be welcomed by many breeds of sheep, be amazed by the tranquil surroundings and isolation with relaxing private beaches, bush and many walks to explore.

On your own or with your family and friends there is an accommodation for you.
There are 4 different sleeping units available from the standard "Penguin cottage" to the more quirky "Gypsy wagon" or "Tree house".
Each unit is separated and offer privacy but the facilities such as kitchen and toilet blocks might have to be shared.

Pōhatu/Flea bay is a working sheep and cattle farm and was the first one officially established on Banks peninsula in 1843.
The Helps family moved in early 70's to what was at the time a run down farm. What they did not expect was to find that other residents were present: the White-flippered penguins, Canterbury's unique variant of the Little penguin.

  • departure-icon Check in time 2:30pm to no later than 4:00pm Check out time11am
  • icons8-hourglass-85-274Tour Length - 24 hours (48-hour option only available from April to end of August)
  • Frame 1725-30Free access to private walking and hiking trails
  • scenic-transport-icoYou must have your own 4WD vehicle Steep narrow gravel road sometimes close to the edge

24/48 hour overnight stay

  • Adult

  • $105

  • Child

    5 to 15 years old*
  • $65

  • Sea-kayaking

    add-on per person
  • $70 to $90

  • Second night

    Add-on per accommodation unit
  • $130

What to bring

  • Food for 24-48 hours depending on the choosen option.
  • Warm clothing for the complementary evening penguin tour.
  • If kayaking, clothes you don’t mind getting wet. Water shoes are not necessary.
  • Hiking boots/shoes or athletic shoes for the bush walk.

Rental includes

  • Evening Penguin Tour (if in season). Penguin presence
  • Discounted sea-kayaking safari. You pay $70/90 vs. $115!
  • Opportunity to walk along the gentle 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.
  • Time to explore some of our well maintained private walking and hiking trails.
  • Fully equipped communal kitchen, linen, toilet, shower, etc.
  • Gaze up at the night sky to see the brilliant Milkyway.
  • Wake up to the sound of birdsong, sheep and the sea.

Good to Know

  • There is no cellphone nor internet reception once at the bay so you will be off the grid during your stay.
  • There are no shops in Pōhatu but Akaroa has a supermarket called 4Square.
  • Safe drinking water is available at the accommodation.
  • There is a covered BBQ area.
  • We have a games box and colouring equipment for kids and adults.
  • Pōhatu is a 30 minutes drive from Akaroa. No driving is allowed in the bay in the hours of darkness due to sensitive penguin habitat.
  • The access road to the bay is 4WD only recommended. It is via a steep narrow gravel road which looks like a one-way lane but is 2 ways, close to cliff edges with some blind corners, passing is limited at times so be prepared to back up safely for oncoming traffic.
  • Family members live at Pōhatu so for any emergency situations, there is someone to call upon.
  • For the safety of the wildlife, there is a strict wildlife code that the guide would let you know to respect when exploring the bay.
  • We have a specific check-in time to be at the accommodation and to join the complimentary evening penguin tour. Check with us if planning to book as sunset time changes over the season.
  • No pets allowed.
  • No smoking.

Only in Akaroa for the day?

If you do not have the time to stay late or overnight in Akaroa, consider our Scenic Nature tours that would allow you to see penguins up close in nesting sites.

Check out also our 24 hour Pōhatu package

Experience a night right in the middle of the largest Australasian Little Penguin colony on mainland New Zealand! Our cosy units are available to enable you to spend more time at Pohatu Bay and free time to relax and explore Pohatu´s many secret places. The accommodation is located within easy walking distance of our beautiful safe sandy beach.