What are the opening hours?

Monday 9am - 8pm Tuesday 9am - 8pm Wednesday 9am - 8pm Thursday 9am - 8pm Friday 9am - 8pm Saturday 9am - 8pm Sunday 9am - 8pm

Pōhatu Penguins/plunge

Name: Pōhatu Penguins/plunge
Address: Unit 3, 8 Rue Balguerie, Akaroa, 7520, NZ
Telephone: +6433048542
Price range: $$
Rating: 4.9

Home
New Zealand
Akaroa
Pōhatu Penguins/plunge

Pōhatu Penguins offers many tour options to see and experience the largest colony of Little penguin
(201)

Pōhatu Penguins is a family- owned and operated eco- tourism business with 30+ years history of advocating and helping to fund the protection of Kororā (Little Penguin) on the family farm in Pōhatu/Flea Bay. Our guides are all conservationists, friends and family - with years of working in penguin conservation, a passion for sharing their stories and a wealth of local knowledge passed down several

generations. When the Helps family first began their conservation work the penguins faced massive challenges that threatened their very existence. These challenges included predation via introduced predators such as dogs, cats, ferrets and stoats, gill net fishing and other human disturbances. Colonies around Banks Peninsula declined at an alarming rate and most disappeared altogether. Through predator trapping, monitoring, rehabilitation and immense dedication the family has stabilized the Pōhatu colony and it grew for many years to become the largest of its kind on mainland New Zealand! In addition to their penguin conservation work the Helps family have also, for many years, protected native forests and other endemic species. Their work helped found the award-winning Wildside Conservation Project. To this day, the family continues to be leader in conservation and have recently received the New Zealand Order of Merit in recognition of their work. Their efforts continue to be funded via Pōhatu Penguins’ tours so when purchasing a tour, clients have a positive input on our little Kororā. Small group tours run from Akaroa over one of the most scenic back country roads by 4WD van to Pōhatu/ Flea Bay and Pōhatu marine reserve, a beautiful sheltered bay out on the wild south eastern corner of Banks Peninsula and home to the largest Little Penguin Colony on mainland New Zealand with over 1500 penguins breeding there.

31/07/2025

Discover your 100% Pure New Zealand here in the magical Pōhatu Bay. 💙

0% signal, 100% connected with nature!

💯

30/07/2025

Blue skies and blue waters! It doesn't get much better than this on a winter sea-kayaking safari! 🛶

Who's keen for an adventure at sea with Pōhatu Penguins?

29/07/2025

Did You Know? 🐧 The White-flippered Penguin is a unique variant of the Kororā (Little Penguin) found only in Canterbury.

Unlike other Little Penguins, these fascinating birds have distinctive white markings on their flippers, setting them apart from their cousins. This rare feature makes the White-flippered Penguin one of New Zealand’s most special wildlife treasures.

Here at Pōhatu, we’re dedicated to protecting these incredible birds and their habitat, ensuring future generations can continue to admire their beauty.

📸 =

28/07/2025

We recently hosted a group of Chinese University students here in Pōhatu who joined us to discover our wildlife and help out around the bay! 💙

During their time here, the group enjoyed building penguin homes, an evening penguin tour, hiking through an ancient forest and checking traps, planting trees as well as some arts and crafts.

Group visits are always fun and we love showing off our special part of New Zealand to people from all over the world!

26/07/2025

We love hearing about the memorable experiences our visitors have with us here in Pōhatu! Here's a recent review from a guest:

"We took our family on the Pohatu penguin tour today and it was excellent! Joey was our guide and she was so engaging. We had our 4 children with us ages 10, 9, 8 and nearly 5 year old with us and they all loved it. Highly recommend!" - Jen

Join us for an unforgettable evening in Pōhatu Bay, where you can witness the return of the White-flippered Penguins to their nests and learn about our ongoing conservation efforts. It's an experience that combines wildlife observation with environmental education.

25/07/2025

Here at Pōhatu, we regularly monitor the health and well-being of our penguin colony to ensure they thrive in their natural habitat. 🐧

This vital work helps us track nesting patterns, identify potential threats, and manage conservation efforts effectively. By closely observing the penguins, we can take quick action to protect them from predators and other challenges.

Ongoing monitoring is a key part of our commitment to ensuring the long-term survival of our Kororā (Little Penguins) and maintaining the health of the ecosystem around Pōhatu bay.

24/07/2025

The red beech trees in our native bush are true ancestors, with some over 400 years old!

These ancient trees have stood the test of time, playing a vital role in the local ecosystem.

When you visit Pōhatu, you’re walking among these incredible trees, which have supported the area’s wildlife for centuries. It’s amazing to think that these trees have witnessed so much of New Zealand's natural history. 🌿

Come explore this living connection to the past and experience the beauty of our native bush!

21/07/2025

Our Evening Penguin Tour offers a truly unforgettable experience, unlike anything else in New Zealand. 🐧

As night falls over Pōhatu Bay, you’ll have the rare opportunity to see the White-flippered Penguins (Kororā) return to their nests after a day at sea. This guided tour takes you to their natural habitat, where you’ll observe these incredible birds in a peaceful, undisturbed environment.

With only a handful of locations in the world offering such a close encounter with Little Penguins, our tour provides a one-of-a-kind, intimate wildlife experience.

Join us for an evening you’ll never forget, surrounded by the beauty of New Zealand’s unique wildlife. 💙

18/07/2025

Escape to Akaroa for an unforgettable winter adventure with your special someone!

Our Akaroa Winter Package offers the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. Enjoy a cosy 2-night stay at Akaroa Waterfront Motels, share an unforgettable Pōhatu Penguins Evening Tour, and marvel at the stars together on an Akaroa Stargazing adventure.

Starting from just $649 per couple, this is your chance to experience the beauty of Akaroa in winter, creating memories to last a lifetime. 🌟🐧 💙

Book your ultimate winter getaway here – https://tinyurl.com/m2vwtrbd

17/07/2025

Join us in supporting the conservation of Pōhatu's unique penguin population with our Adopt a Penguin programme! 🐧

When you adopt a penguin, you’re helping protect their habitat and support the ongoing efforts to preserve these incredible birds. As part of the programme, you’ll receive regular updates about your adopted penguin, including information on their nesting and conservation progress.

Your adoption helps fund vital conservation work, from predator control to habitat restoration, ensuring a safe future for our penguins. Adopt today and become part of the effort to protect New Zealand’s smallest penguin!

📸 =

16/07/2025

Another wonderful winter school holiday programme!

On the first day, the group enjoyed gorgeous sunshine and mild temperatures which allowed us to make the most of the outdoors. Wetas, penguin monitoring, wildlife watching, pest plant control (digging out prickles) and beach art.

The second day brought some drizzle, but the children never complained! They still had plenty of fun with wetas, penguin monitoring, wildlife watching, native tree planting, and colouring in a warm place at the end of the day.

Address

Unit 3, 8 Rue Balguerie
Akaroa
7520

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 8pm
Tuesday	9am - 8pm
Wednesday	9am - 8pm
Thursday	9am - 8pm
Friday	9am - 8pm
Saturday	9am - 8pm
Sunday	9am - 8pm

Telephone

+6433048542

Website

http://www.pohatu.co.nz/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Pōhatu Penguins/plunge posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Pōhatu Penguins/plunge:

Shortcuts

Our Story

Pohatu Penguins is a family-run business with a long standing history of protecting the Korora (Little Penguin). The colony survival is accredited to Shireen and Francis Helps who have cared for the penguins for 30+ years.

When the Helps first began their conservation work the penguins faced massive challenges that threatened their very existence. These challenges included predation via introduced predators such as dogs, cats, ferrets and stoats, gill net fishing and other human disturbances. Colonies around Banks Peninsula declined at an alarming rate and most disappeared altogether. Through predator trapping, monitoring, rehabilitation and immense dedication the Helps have stabilized the Pohatu Colony - and it continues to grow! In addition to their penguin conservation work the Helps family have also, for many years, protected native forests and other endemic species. Their work helped found the award-winning Wildside Conservation Project.

To this day, the family continues to be leaders in conservation and the efforts continue to be fully self-funded via Pohatu Penguins’ tours.

When purchasing a tour you have a positive input on our little Korora.

Coast Up Close
7520