Return 4WD transport from AkaroaLocal penguin conservation guideGuided walk through the colony areaVisit to monitored nesting sitesSheltered penguin viewingUse of binoculars and telescopeCamouflage clothing where requiredWhat to BringSturdy walking shoes or boots with good grip for uneven or muddy terrainWarm clothing, with additional camouflage gear providedBinoculars (provided, but bringing your own is recommended)

Approximate departure times (2 hours before sunset):January7.30 - 7.00pmJuly3.00pmFebruary7.00 - 6.15pmAugust3.30 - 4.00pmMarchNo toursSeptember4.00 - 4.30pmApril4.00pmOctober4.30 - 6.00pmMay3.30pmNovember6.00 - 7.00pmJune3.00pmDecember7.00 - 7.30pm

Adult: 16 years +Children: 5 -15 yearsInfants: 2-4 yearsMinimum age: 2 years

Pōhatu Penguin Evening Tour from Akaroa

Apr-Feb

South Island

Pohatu Penguins

from

NZ$125

per adult

Book Now

Kororā Little Penguin pair emerging from rocky burrow at Banks Peninsula

Experiences

Nature & Wildlife

Family-friendly Tours

Half-Day Tours

South Island

Start: Akaroa

Duration: 2.5-3 hours

Minimum Age: 2

Wild Penguin Viewing and Conservation at Pōhatu Bay

A scenic 4WD journey from Akaroa leads across Banks Peninsula to Pōhatu Bay, home to a significant mainland colony of kororā, including Canterbury’s white-flippered penguin. During the guided evening visit, local conservationists share the history of the colony and explain the predator control, nesting-site monitoring and habitat protection carried out over more than three decades.

The experience includes a guided walk through the conservation area and quiet viewing from sheltered hides using binoculars or a telescope. Depending on the season and natural behaviour of the birds, penguins may be seen in nesting sites, socialising on the water or returning towards shore before darkness. Wildlife sightings vary, and the group leaves before nightfall so the penguins can continue to their burrows without disturbance.

Two Kororā Little Penguins bonding on the rocks at Banks Peninsula

Visitors penguin watching from a hide at Pōhatu Bay

Kororā Little Penguins on dark volcanic rocks at Pōhatu Bay

Kororā Little Penguins huddling together on the rocks at Banks Peninsula

Kororā Little Penguin swimming in clear waters of Pōhatu Marine Reserve

Kororā Little Penguin pair standing on red rocks at Banks Peninsula

Kororā Little Penguin nesting inside a wooden box at Pōhatu Bay

Kororā Little Penguins resting on coastal rocks at Pōhatu Bay

Two Kororā Little Penguins interacting on the rocks at Banks Peninsula

Highlights

Visit a protected kororā habitat on remote Banks Peninsula
Learn how long-term conservation has supported the colony
See how nesting sites are monitored and maintained
Watch for penguins socialising offshore or approaching the coastline
Travel across volcanic hills and farmland between Akaroa and Flea Bay
Observe wild birds in a low-impact setting without artificial night lighting

Seasonal Penguin Viewing

Penguin activity changes throughout the year. The breeding period from late August to December generally provides strong opportunities to see adults, eggs or chicks around monitored nesting sites.

Moulting birds may be present during January and February. Penguins are usually absent from late February until early April, while autumn and winter viewing can be less predictable. All sightings depend on natural wildlife behaviour and cannot be guaranteed.

Return 4WD transport from Akaroa
Local penguin conservation guide
Guided walk through the colony area
Visit to monitored nesting sites
Sheltered penguin viewing
Use of binoculars and telescope
Camouflage clothing where required

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)

Approximate departure times (2 hours before sunset):

January	7.30 - 7.00pm	July	3.00pm
February	7.00 - 6.15pm	August	3.30 - 4.00pm
March	No tours	September	4.00 - 4.30pm
April	4.00pm	October	4.30 - 6.00pm
May	3.30pm	November	6.00 - 7.00pm
June	3.00pm	December	7.00 - 7.30pm

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

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.

Frequently asked questions

The full experience lasts approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Departure times vary according to sunset and are confirmed for the selected travel date.

The minimum age is two years. Children must be supervised and comfortable travelling on winding 4WD roads and walking over uneven ground in an outdoor wildlife area.

The breeding season from late August to December generally offers the strongest viewing opportunities. Penguin activity becomes more variable during summer and winter, and the colony is usually quiet from late February to early April.

No. The penguins are wild, and sightings depend on the season and their natural behaviour. The tour includes monitored nesting sites and sheltered viewing areas to provide the best responsible viewing opportunities.

The Pōhatu Penguin Evening Tour departs from Akaroa and includes return 4WD transport across Banks Peninsula to the penguin conservation area at Flea Bay.