7 Wildlife in Akaroa to Build a Day Around

1.Pohatu Penguins Scenic Nature 2-Hour or 4-Hour Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 125 reviews · 2 - 4 hours · from $56Our pick

Take a 4WD minivan from Akaroa across the crater rim to Pohatu Bay and Flea Bay. Your local guide explains the area's geology, history, wildlife, and penguin protection work. Feed sheep at a family farm, stop at high lookouts, and, in season, inspect nesting boxes. Choose two hours, or four hours for the lighthouse reserve, refreshments, and rehabilitation work.

“We enjoyed a fabulous tour with our very knowledgeable and friendly guide, Joey. She took us to several beautiful lookouts and told us about the natural area in particular the Pohatu penguins. We were even able to see several at the end of the tour. It was such a fun and educational outing.”

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2.Sunrise wildlife sea kayaking in Akaroa marine reserve

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 123 reviews · from $96Top rated

Meet at 7:30 am in Akaroa for a three-hour guided kayak safari through an extinct volcanic basin. After safety instruction, you paddle sheltered harbor water and then head toward the coast, watching for Hector dolphins, seals, penguins, birds, and possibly orca. Guides such as James, John, and Peter share local knowledge, with refreshments and on-water photos included.

“From start to finish the tour was fabulous. I called the owner the night before panicking as my ride fell though and I suddenly did not have a car to get to the location / she was incredibly kind and helpful and organized for her team to picRead more”

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3.Pohatu Little Penguins 3-Hour Evening Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 119 reviews · 3 hours · from $68

Travel by 4WD minivan from Akaroa to Pohatu, or Flea Bay, with guides such as Ben, Mona, Tayla, and Kevin sharing local wildlife and conservation stories. You’ll check nesting boxes, use binoculars to watch penguins at sea, and may see them return at dusk. The tour uses no artificial lights.

“Great to see the little guys and learn about the conservation efforts!”

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4.Akaroa Wildlife Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 101 reviews · from $68

Set out from 59E Beach Road in Akaroa for a 2-hour-45-minute to 3-hour wildlife cruise with local skipper Tony and Mafi. The small boat carries no more than 30 people, giving you a close view of Banks Peninsula’s cliffs, caves, coast, and wildlife, including Hector’s dolphins, seals, penguins, and seabirds.

“Un moment convivial, SIMPLE et surtout calme car un nombre restreint de personnes sur le bateau. L’accueil et la convivialité de Tony et sa partenaire (dont j’ai malheureusement oublié le prénom) La chance plus ou moins importante dRead more”

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5.Sailing and Wildlife Tour Akaroa Fox II Sailing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 76 reviews · from $89

Spend about 2 hours 45 minutes sailing Akaroa Harbour aboard the Fox II, a wooden ketch built in 1880. Captain Roy and his crew share local history, geology, and wildlife facts while you look for Hector’s dolphins, fur seals, little blue penguins, and albatross. The boat carries up to 30 people and returns to Daly’s Wharf.

“The captain and crew made our family adventure on this amazing and stylish sailing vessel memorable, funny, entertaining, educational and very interesting. The dolphins were elusive on the day we sailed, but the crew tried very harRead more”

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6.Wildlife Cruise with Dolphins and Penguins

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 27 reviews · 3 hours · from $77

Join a small group of up to 10 aboard the Fox II, a 1922 kauri ketch, for a three-hour sail from Daly’s Wharf through Akaroa Harbour and into the Pacific Ocean. Expect Hector’s dolphins, penguins, seals, albatrosses, coastal caves, and local stories in English or French. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, biscuits, and warm coats are included.

“A really great sailing trip with dolphin encounter and spectacular views. A very relaxing atmosphere with music when the dolphins appeared to crap them curious about the boat, few people on board, which made it a really pleasant trip. We highly recommend this very special experience! Thank you!”

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7.Akaroa Shore Excursion: Banks Peninsula, Christchurch City Tour and Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 26 reviews · from $123

Travel from Akaroa through scenic Banks Peninsula to Christchurch, where you get 30 minutes in the Botanic Gardens and a brief city tour. At Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, spend about two hours with native and exotic animals, including kiwi viewing and a guided Natural New Zealand visit. Return to port by coach.

“Christchurch was some what disappointing because on the ongoing earthquake repairs. Willow bank was informative and fun. Actually saw a Kiwi bird eating in the dark.”

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