Kayaking and Evening tour

Scenic 4WD mini-van drive

Photo opportunities

Fully experienced guides

All gear provided

Start with a ride over to Pōhatu 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 Pōhatu 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, Kororā/White-Flippered penguins on the rocks (in season) and many sea-birds and deep sea-caves to enter in 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 socialising on the water. 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.

  • departure-icon Departure time 12:00pm 
  • icons8-hourglass-85-274Tour length 7 to 10 hours depending on the time of the year
  • Frame 1730-731Free access to facilities for dinner and shower
  • scenic-transport-icoScenic transport included

Kayaking / Evening tour

  • Adult

  • $210

  • Child

    5 to 15 years old*
  • $120

  • Group or family concession

    4 or more (per adult)
  • $180

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.

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.

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 regardless of 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 keep in mind that the guides on the day will be sole judges of whether 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 Pōhatu/Flea Bay comes with risks and can be dangerous. The outer-coast of Akaroa harbor is characterized 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. Pōhatu Penguins/Plunge NZ Ltd cannot absolutely guarantee participants’ safety. Pōhatu Penguins/Plunge NZ Ltd accepts its legal responsibilities but cannot be held responsible for personal injury or loss, theft or damage of/to your equipment outside legal responsibilities.

For these reasons, clients must properly understand English, listen carefully to and follow guides’ instructions and adhere to safety requirements.
You can find our full Risks disclosure here
In regards to our cancellation policy see the following link: Cancellation policy

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 Pohatu 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 Pōhatu Bay and free time to relax and explore Pōhatu´s many secret places. The accommodation is located within easy walking distance of our beautiful safe sandy beach.