Kayaking and Evening tour
Scenic 4WD mini-van drive
Photo opportunities
Fully experienced guides
All gear provided
-01.jpeg)
|
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. 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 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 time 12:00pm 
Tour length 7 to 10 hours depending on the time of the year
Free access to facilities for dinner and shower
Scenic transport includedWhat 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 Pōhatu 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 keep 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 time if you have a child.
Note:
On certain days with certain weather conditions, we might only be able to run the tour with experienced kayakers. If, due to your lack of experience or because of your child(ren)'s ages and capacities, the guide advises that you cannot join the tour, we please ask for your understanding. If this were to be the case, we would either offer you a full refund or to join one of our nature tours depending on availability.
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 and, 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