4 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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