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Pohatu Bay Guided Penguin Tour - Evening

Highlights

  • Visit the largest colony of Little Penguins on mainland New Zealand
  • See these adorable creatures up close at nesting sites
  • Observe them socialising on the water and returning to shore from afar

Look into the life of a penguin and learn about conservation efforts during this evening tour. Enjoy a scenic drive to Pohatu Bay, where the largest colony of Little Penguins on mainland New Zealand reside. Observe them up close in nesting sites and from afar as they socialise on the water.

What's included?

  • Scenic drive by 4WD minivan from Akaroa
  • Fully guided tour of colony
  • Camouflage gear
  • Binoculars (one per couple)

Immerse yourself in the largest Little Penguin colony on mainland New Zealand during this exciting evening tour. Enjoy a scenic drive over Akaroa's extinct volcano crater rim before arriving at the serene and beautiful Pohatu Bay. Set off for a walk and talk around the colony, monitoring nesting sites and ensuring that the Little Penguins are doing well. You'll be able to see these adorable creatures up close as you learn about their behaviours and how conservation efforts have saved the Flea Bay colony from extinction. Then, assume a tucked away position to spot the penguins undisturbed, using binoculars and a telescope to watch them socialising on the water. At dusk, there is a very high chance of seeing some swimming back to shore and jumping on the rocks. The tour will depart just before dark, leaving the penguins to go about their nightly routines.

Important information

  • Please allow 3-3.5 hours for this experience
  • Departure times vary depending on the time of year, but are generally 2.5 hours before sunset
  • Participants must be able to walk on uneven ground, sometimes with low lights
  • Photography is welcome but strictly no use of flash
  • Please note: Penguins cannot be seen from the end of February to early April
    • Change your booking up to 24 hours before the start time of your experience
    • Changes are not permitted within 24 hours of your experience
    • Late arrivals or no shows may result in you forfeiting your experience

    The minivan holds a maximum of nine passengers. Private group of up to 54 can be arranged.

    This experience will still go ahead in the event of rain. Some of the best wildlife viewing is usually when it's raining.

    Please wear good walking shoes with good grip, comfortable clothing, warm layers in winter and a raincoat no matter the weather.

    Over the summer months, dinner prior to the tour is advisable as you can return as late as 10.30pm.

    This experience departs from Akaroa and takes place in Pohatu Bay.

    Reviews

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    Inmersion in a penguin life

    Mary G 22 July 2022

    We had a blast on our evening penguin tour. We did the tour in June thinking we might see only a few penguins as it was not breeding season for penguins but most of the nesting boxes were occupied by adults snuggling together. We saw them up close with minimal disturbance as the guide took all the precaution to not stress the penguins. Little penguins are so adorable, our children were thrilled! Then from the hides we watched groups of penguins on the water coming back from fishing. We learnt so much from the tour about nature, wildlife, conservation and the viewing was much better than what we expected so a real bonus!! The family clearly have a passion for protecting our precious environment. A must do!

    A true conservation based tour - An absolute must.

    Avek 21 May 2022

    We can truly feel that the penguins are at the forefront of what this family does. After a stunning drive from Akaroa, our guide took us around the bay to help him checking on penguins in small boxes (so cute to see so many penguin houses and so important for the conservation work to check how the colony is doing and if there're predators). We also saw so many on the water with binoculars and scope and even some on the rocks under the hides we were in. Super important, they do not use light to not disturb the penguins and money from the tour goes toward helping with the protection of those little guys.

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