Pōhatu Penguin Evening Tour

A Unique Blend of Wildlife, Scenery, and Conservation

This tour offers more than a chance to spot penguins—it’s a deep dive into active conservation and community-led environmental care. You'll witness predator control in action, learn about the challenges of protecting a fragile species, and experience how tourism can directly support biodiversity. Expert guides and optical equipment ensure you don’t miss a moment of the penguins’ natural behaviours.

Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and eco-conscious travellers alike, this evening adventure showcases the wild beauty of Banks Peninsula. With rich storytelling, stunning scenery, and close-up wildlife encounters, it’s a must-do experience near Akaroa.

Best Time for Penguin Viewing

The breeding season from late August to December offers the best penguin viewing opportunities, as many birds are actively nesting. During January and February, you can see moulting penguins as they shed and regrow their feathers. However, from late February to early April, no penguins are present in the colony. Viewing opportunities improve again from mid-April to September, when penguins return periodically from the sea, making this an excellent time for those interested in participating in our monitoring program. This experience provides a rare opportunity to learn more about penguin conservation and observe these incredible birds up close.

For visitors joining between late November and February, there may also be a chance to witness penguin rehabilitation efforts, including feedings and swim therapy. If you’re interested, call ahead to check whether rescued penguins are currently in care.

What to Bring

• Sturdy walking shoes or boots with good grip for uneven or muddy terrain
• Warm clothing, with additional camouflage gear provided
• Binoculars (provided, but bringing your own is recommended)

Tour Includes

• 4WD transportation from Akaroa via scenic back-country roads
• A welcome from rare sheep breeds, which can be hand-fed
• A guided conservation walk and talk within the penguin habitat
• Hands-on monitoring of nesting sites to check on the colony’s health
• Binocular and telescope viewing of penguins preening, resting, and socializing in the bay
• A high likelihood of seeing penguins come ashore at dusk before we quietly leave them to settle in for the night

AGE INFORMATION

• Adult: 16 years +
• Children: 5 -15 years
• Infants: 2-4 years
• Minimum age: 2 years

CANCELLATION AND REFUND

• More than 24 hours before departure: Full refund**
• Within 24 hours: No refund

Note: **Refund excludes credit card or payment fees if applicable, which are non-refundable.

Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.