4 WD Scenic Nature Tour Pohatu Penguins Akaroa

You will see

A working sheep farm
Akaroa and Banks Peninsula
Great Scenery
Great variety of native birds
Penguin monitoring during penguin breeding season
Penguins and sheep
The Akaroa Head Reserve and lighthouse
The Banks Peninsula Tree Weta

Itinerary
Summary
Prices & Times
Feedback
FAQ

From Cruise Port: Akaroa-Christchurch

After meeting you at the wharf in Akaroa we embark on a journey in our 4WD minibus and make make our way around some stunning back roads of Banks Peninsula. We arrive at the Akaroa Heads Lighthouse Reserve at the very eastern tip of the Banks Peninsula where we get to stretch our legs and take the time to hike to some even better vantage points for some scenic photography and potential wildlife watching. You can join us on the walk down to the lighthouse, but this does require a good level of fitness and good walking shoes [especially the walk back up], or you may wait at the vehicle and just enjoy the views from there.

We then retrace the track back up and over what is one of the highest passes on Banks Peninsula as we traverse along the summit road and then down into Flea Bay, location of the Pohatu Reserve, which is a working sheep farm. Here you can have a real Kiwi experience with our very friendly, natural coloured sheep and take time to sit with a tea or coffee and some home baked goodies with a gorgeous view of the farm and Bay. Learn about the unique history, ecology and geology of the area with commentary from your guide and be introduced to the rare Banks Peninsula Tree Weta and the conservation project of the area to protect these rare creatures.

White-flipper penguins (Canterbury's little penguin) breed at Pohatu which is the largest little penguin colony on mainland New Zealand. You will be guided through our penguin habitat on a conservation walk and talk and take part in our research program (in season) as your guide will monitor a penguin nesting box. You will have the opportunity to see penguins up close (including chicks in the breeding season). You may also be welcomed into the penguin rehab garden and see our hands on conservation work and learn about the lifestyle of these fascinating New Zealand penguins and see how they differ from how you think of penguins normally.

Although this isn't a bird watching tour if you have a checklist make sure to bring it along. A variety of native forest birds make their home on the peninsula and Pohatu Bay is a marine reserve so marine birds and mammals may be spotted as we go, with your guide always on the look out to show you as much as possible.

There is always something new going on in the Pohatu Reserve so every visit will be as unique as the last.

This is the New Zealand you have always imagined!

From Cruise Port: Akaroa-Christchurch

Included

A beautiful working sheep farm
Akaroa Heads visit
Amazing photo stops!
Experienced driver guide in a small group tour
Round trip transportation from the cruise ship pier
Scenic drive to Pohatu Marine Reserve
Tea, coffee and home baked goodies at the farm house
View penguin monitoring and rehab garden (in season)
Viewing Banks Peninsula Tree Weta and native birds

Instructions

Don't forget your camera!
Good walking shoes or boots with good grip soles that can cope with a bit of mud in wet conditions. Please note the track can be demanding for some and can be slippery in wet conditions in the heavy penguin traffic areas we visit.
Please bring bottled water with you for the hike
This activity does involved some degree of risk and you will be required to accept and sign a risk disclosure document before you take part in the activity. Thank you

This the sign you are looking for in Akaroa, not always the handsome frenchmen

Restrictions

This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or those without a good level of fitness [unless you do not take the light house walk].

Standard Tour Schedule Options
	start time	end time
4WD Scenic Nature Tour	12:00	16:00
Note: Start and end times may be revised to suit ETA / ETD of ship in port

Standard Tour Prices (current)
Adult price	NZ $135.00
Child price (5 to 15 yrs)	NZ $85.00
Infant price (0 to 4 yrs)	NZ $50.00
Note: Infants and children must have a valid ticket to travel
Family price (max adults 2 max children 3)	NZ $385.00

Exclusive Tour Prices (current)
Tour Duration	4.00 hrs
Exclusive Tour Prices
14 persons	NZ $1,800.00

NOTE: Prices may vary depending on your Date of Travel.
Our Booking procedures quote the applicable prices before you commit to a Booking.

AKA-6 4WD Scenic Nature Tour
My husband and I were met by Ben and another tour guide with two 8 person ATV vans. They accomodated two families with preschool age children as well as older people slower in their walking pace. We stopped at several places for viewing the scenery over the harbour as well as over the rugged mountains. The sheep ranch that housed the penguin habitat was very sweet and a model of pastoral tranquility. Ben gave a very thorough overview of the ecology from the beginning to current flora and fauna and issues that have developed as well as steps being taken to cure negative impacts. It was the perfect eco-tour. My husband and I arrived back in Akaroa in time to walk through this delightful village, have lunch, and post some cards to family.
Mistymend0cin0, via TripAdvisor [Mar 18]

This is a great way to see a great part of Akaroa when you are wondering how to make the most of your time there. Meet some locals, hear their story about how they set about trying to save the penguins and meet some penguins. We loved every minute, even though the penguins were no longer nesting. We went in March, really recommend it.
dandsbatten, via TripAdvisor [Mar 18]

We were on a cruise ship and as arranged made contact with the company's representative at the end of the wharf to meet them at 12 noon. Our tour was the 4WD Scenic Nature Safari. The guide was a young woman from Minnesota who was passionate and informative about preservation of threatened species, and the efforts being made to protect the Pohatu Penguins and their habitat. The drive out to Flea Bay through farming country was in itself interesting and we stopped at various lookouts for photo opportunities including a diversion down Lighthouse Road to Haylocks Bay. If you choose to walk the last half kilometer be prepared for the steep return climb! We then rejoined the road to Flea Bay to arrive at the owner's house where sheep were hand fed before taking a short walk to see some of the 300 nesting boxes constructed to house the birds. We were able to see up close a bird in rehabilitation care and another still in its molting phase in a nesting box. (we knew we were not visiting in the optimum season to see many penguins). A very welcome afternoon tea followed then back to the cruise ship by the appointed time.
Yolkandwhite, via TripAdvisor [Mar 18]

We had a great day with Shireen. This was more than just a tour. We saw a little bit of New Zealand, saw penguins and their nesting boxes, and even learned a little of the history of sheep farming in the area. Shireen's dedication and work to save the penguins of the area is very special. The tour also include muffins and beverages made by Shireen. Not to be missed experience.
Happy cruise passenger

One of the most beautiful tours we have ever been a part of. Going to the top of Misty Point and to the beautiful Flea Bay with Kevin was spectacular. The views and the story of how his company is protecting and increasing the number of the cute Little Penguins was wonderful. And, seeing these darling animals and feeding the sheep at the farm made for a perfect day. Thanks, Kevin.
Happy cruise passenger

The owners are very passionate to wildlife conserving, which is the most attractive part of this tour. This tour is one of the most scenic and perfect way to see Akaroa, specifically the Banks of Peninsula. Hence,what you can see is not just the sweet little town, but the adventure and the other side it could offer - understanding the endangered wild little penguins. I love the host, their effort to conserved the nature and wildlife. Thumb's up!
Happy cruise passenger

What are the facilities like at the Pohatu Reserve?

This is a typical "back country" working farm, so while adequate, please do not expect 5 star luxury "rest rooms".

Where are the refreshments served?

If the weather is fine then usually in the farm house garden, in wet weather there is an undercover area that is used.

If I do have difficulty walking can I still do this tour?

To get the most from the tour you really should have a good level of fitness as the walk down to the light house [and back up !] is quite a challenge, or you can wait at the vehicle if you do not want to do this. The Penguin Reserve does not involve as much walking, but the ground can be wet and soggy when raining.

While I be able to see the Penguins up close?

During the breeding season the baby Penguins can be viewed in their nest boxes [the adults are at sea hunting] and also any birds being hand reared at the reserve can be viewed during their feeding periods.

What other wild life may we see on this trip?

You may also see New Zealand Fur Seals on the rocks and in the sea at Flea bay.