Pohatu Penguins 4WD Safari, 3 hours
Highlights & inclusions
1. Select date
August 2026
2. Select participants
What you can expect
Embark on an incredibly scenic journey to the Pohatu Marine Reserve in the Akaroa region with this natural 4WD Safari. Taking you from Akaroa aboard a comfortable 4WD van, you'll drive through one of the Banks Peninsula's highest passes with scheduled photo stops to ensure you capture the incredible scenes you're driving past.
With views of the Akaroa Volcano to Akaroa Heads Reserve and Lighthouse, this is one amazing journey for nature lovers. The safari also sees you go on a walk through the beautiful Tutakahikura Scenic Bush Reserve to get up close to the local flora and fauna. Throughout the 2.5 to 3 hour journey, you'll also monitor local penguins (during breeding season), learn about lizard conservation in the region, spot native birds and visit a working sheep farm.
A day filled with amazing photo opportunities, wildlife spotting and more, this is the ultimate outdoor adventure for nature lovers visiting the Akaroa region.
Location
What you need to know
- Return transport from Akaroa in a 4WD minivan
- Two hour scenic tour of Pohatu Bay
- Feed pet sheep by hand
- See penguins up close in nesting sites (in season)
- Informative commentary
- Meals
- Hotel transfers to Akaroa meeting point
- Pick-up from Akaroa with a memorable Scenic 4WD van ride to Pohatu
- Soak in the ambience along your drive with spectacular photo opportunities
- Meet the local sheep who thrive on attention and enjoy a little tickle
- Feel warm and fuzzy inside while watching the Little Penguin colony waddle up Flea Bay after a busy day at sea
- Flea Bay is home to the largest Little Penguin colony in mainland New Zealand, situated within a small coastal bay between volcanic headlands and part of Pohatu Marine Reserve
- The provided camouflage wear and use of binoculars will minimise disturbances to the natural behaviour of these beautiful birds. Allowing you to view the colony within their habitat completely and utterly undisturbed
- Take part in the monitoring program of nesting boxes during the tour as part of our conservation work. This gives you great insight into the life of a penguin and an opportunity to see the birds up-close
- Visit the White-flippered Penguins breeding colony. A truly unique experience as only guided tours have access to the area due to the sensitivity of the ecosystem
- By spending time within this area you are helping the preservation of these beautiful birds for future generations. Your personal gift to the Penguins
- Tour departs daily at 1.30pm, subject to availability
- Tour length is approximately two hours
- This experience departs from 2/8 Rue Balguerie, Akaroa 7520. Parking is available
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Please wear comfortable walking shoes as the tour involves some walking
- Optional wind and waterproof jacket
- This tour concentrates mostly on the Little Penguin but other native and endemic birds may also be seen. e.g the Yellow Eyed Penguins who breed at the bay
- In summer it is advisable to either eat before you come on an evening tour or bring some food with you as often restaurants will be closed on our return to Akaroa
- A $20 service charge applies to all cancellation refunds
- No refunds within 24 hours of departure unless the Operator cancels the activity due to waterway, road or weather conditions
- Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
- Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience
- For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
