Return 4WD transport from AkaroaLocal nature and conservation guideScenic Banks Peninsula driveVisit to monitored penguin nesting sitesTime with the farm’s rare-breed sheepCommentary on local history, wildlife and conservation

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

Pōhatu 4WD Nature Tour from Akaroa (2-Hour)

South Island

Pohatu Penguins

from

NZ$105

per adult

Book Now

Pōhatu Penguins 4WD tour van overlooking Flea Bay

Experiences

Half-Day Tours

Nature & Wildlife

Family-friendly Tours

4x4 Adventure Tours

South Island

Start: Akaroa

Travel Time: 2 hours

Minimum Age: 2

A Two-Hour Nature and Conservation Tour from Akaroa

Banks Peninsula farmland, forested hills and coastal views form the backdrop to this two-hour 4WD nature tour from Akaroa. A local guide provides commentary on the area’s history, native wildlife and more than 30 years of conservation work at Pōhatu.

The tour includes time with the farm’s friendly rare-breed sheep and a visit to monitored white-flippered penguin nesting sites. Penguin activity varies throughout the year, while seasonal conservation work may occasionally be visible. The shorter format suits families and visitors who want time to see more of Akaroa before or after the tour.

Rare breed sheep grazing at Pōhatu Bay farm with the Helps Family

Golden hillside view over Akaroa Harbour on Banks Peninsula

Two Arapawa lambs grazing at Pōhatu Bay farm

Akaroa Heads Lighthouse Reserve overlooking turquoise ocean

Close-up of native New Zealand wētā insect at Pōhatu Bay, Akaroa

Kererū wood pigeon perched in spring blossoms on Banks Peninsula

Kororā Little Penguin nesting inside a wooden box at Pōhatu Bay

Waterfall along Banks Track near Pōhatu Bay, Akaroa

Visitor admiring dramatic coastal cliffs and turquoise waters of Banks Peninsula

Highlights

Take in wide views across Akaroa Harbour and the surrounding coastline
Travel through farmland, forested hills and the Wild Side Conservation Area
Learn about white-flippered penguins and their seasonal behaviour
Hear how local conservation work supports native wildlife
Meet and hand-feed friendly sheep on the family-run farm
Fit a meaningful nature experience into a shorter Akaroa visit

Return 4WD transport from Akaroa
Local nature and conservation guide
Scenic Banks Peninsula drive
Visit to monitored penguin nesting sites
Time with the farm’s rare-breed sheep
Commentary on local history, wildlife and conservation

Duration: 2 hours
Departure Time: 1:30 PM
Scenic Transport: Included
Wildlife Sightings: Penguins in season*

(*Rehabilitation efforts are primarily from mid-November to mid-February and shown only to Full Scenic Nature Safari guests to limit disturbance to the penguins.)

This educational and engaging experience provides a deeper appreciation of New Zealand’s wildlife and conservation efforts, making it a must-do for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts visiting Akaroa!

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

More than 24 hours before departure: Full refund less 10% service charge**
Within 24 hours: No refund

Note: **Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount. Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.

Frequently asked questions

Penguin activity changes throughout the year, so sightings cannot be guaranteed on this daytime nature tour. Guests can still visit monitored nesting sites and learn about white-flippered penguin conservation.

Yes. The minimum age is two years, and the short duration, scenic 4WD journey and friendly farm sheep make it a suitable option for families.

The tour lasts approximately two hours, making it suitable for families and visitors with limited time in Akaroa.

The two-hour Pōhatu nature tour departs from Akaroa and includes return travel by 4WD minibus through the Banks Peninsula countryside.

The two-hour tour provides a shorter introduction to Pōhatu’s scenery, wildlife and conservation work. The half-day tour includes more time in the conservation area and additional scenic locations and refreshments.