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Pōhatu Sea Kayaking and Scenic 4WD Safari
Highlights & inclusions
Pick-up from Akaroa with a Scenic 4WD ride
Get active with a guided sea-kayaking tour
Spectacular landscape views and photo opportunities
Knowledgable tour guide
See the Little Penguin colony in their natural habitat
Visit areas only accessible by accredited tour groups
From
$121.08AUD
1. Select date
August 2026
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Hot Deal
Last minute deal
2. Select participants
Adult
0
Child (5-15yrs)
0
What you can expect
Your journey begins with an exciting 4WD safari from Akaroa en route to Pōhatu. The scenic safari takes you around the region to admire the beautiful surrounds before arriving at Pōhatu and climbing into your kayak.
The second part of the experience is the scenic sea kayaking experience through the Pōhatu Marine Reserve. This part of the tour sees you paddle past towering cliffs and volcanic headlands while also keeping your eye out for pods of playful dolphins and the resident penguins.
With the help of an experienced and knowledgeable tour guide, you'll be able to learn all about the region and its wildlife while admiring the beautiful views. All members of the tour group are provided with a kayak and paddle, splash jacket and life jacket to ensure you have a safe and comfortable experience.
The tour runs around 2.5 to 3 hours and departs Aaroa daily at 12pm, however, it is a popular tour so be sure to book your spot online to secure a place.
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Location
What you need to know
- Akaroa pickup within a comfortable 4WD van
- Scenic drive to Pohatu
- Kayak, paddle, splash jacket and life vest
- Knowledgeable tour guide
- Meals
- Hotel transfers to Akaroa meeting point
- Pick-up from Akaroa with a memorable scenic 4WD transfer to Pohatu
- Soak in the ambience along your drive with spectacular photo opportunities and meet the local sheep who thrive on attention and enjoy a little tickle
- After your scenic journey get active with a guided sea-kayaking tour within the Pohatu Marine Reserve
- Witness the dramatic volcanic headlands and lush landscapes
- Row towards the towering sea cliffs and feel tiny as an ant
- Absorb the history of the sea walls which have been sculpted by the sea into rock stacks, reefs, and deep sea caves over hundreds of years
- Keep your eyes peeled the playful pods of dolphins
- 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 at 12pm from October to April and 11:15 am from May to September, subject to availability.
- This experience is approximately 3.5 to 4 hours in duration with an hour to an hour and a half kayaking.
- This experience departs from the Wildside Booking office, Unit 3, 8 Rue Balguerie, Akaroa 7520, Canterbury.
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- A change of clothing
- Wear something comfortable: leggings or board shorts - jeans are not suitable
- Wear layers that you can add/remove if it is too hot or cold.
- Optional wind and waterproof jacket
- 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
- This activity may not be suitable for young children. 11 years old and over is a recommendation, however suitability is subject to each independent child
- Tour 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
- Minimum of two adults and a maximum of sixteen participants per trip.
- Changes are not permitted within 24 hours of your experience
- Late arrivals or no-shows may result in you forfeiting your experience
- A 10% service charge applies to all cancellation refunds
- 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
- A 10% 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
- If a kayaking trip has to be cancelled because of an unexpected wind change or tsunami warning on arrival at Pohatu after the scenic 4WD van safari has been undertaken two options would be offered. An immediate return with a 50% refund and no further wildlife guiding can be expected to see penguins or other wildlife or venture on the Full Scenic Nature Safari tour
