Price from:
98 USD
This is a perfect option for people who have a good level of fitness and wish to spend more time in Pohatu bay natural environment.
Duration
7 to 10 Hours depending on the time of year
Ages
Ages 6+
About
Start with a ride over to Pohatu with photo stops and commentary as you go. Once in the bay get set up for the kayaking trip, a safety talk and wildlife code to ensure safe behaviours and get on the water to encounter Pohatu marine reserve resident wildlife.
Explore the bay with our knowledgeable guides who know where to look to spot resident New Zealand fur seals, Hector’s dolphins that frequently visit the bay, Penguins on the rocks (in season) and many sea-birds and deep sea-caves to enter on calm conditions.
After the kayaking activity you will have time before the Evening penguin tour starts. You can either relax or explore some of the accessible walking tracks through ancient forest.
You will also have free access to our bathroom block where you can take a shower and our communal kitchen where you can cook your dinner before the evening penguin tour which will start from the Helps homestead at the time you have been told by your kayaking guide.
You will head for a conservation walk and talk and monitor a couple of penguin nesting boxes giving you a good opportunity to see these little guys up close. We hike out to hides on the side of the hills and observe the bay from above to spot penguins that are frequently seen socializing on the water in the middle of the bay. And just before night fall, we may get lucky and see penguins coming ashore under the hides. We leave before it gets too dark as this is penguin hour and they need to get up the hills to their waiting chicks without disturbance from us.
Tour Includes
- Scenic drive by 4WD mini vans from Akaroa
- Photos stops along the way with commentary about the area
- Fully guided by experienced staff
- All kayaking gear (life jackets, dry jackets, spray deck, dry bags for cameras)
Gives you the chance to learn more about Pōhatu Penguins while still having time to explore our historic town.
If you have young children:
We prefer that children are at least 6 years of age. All customers are placed in safe, double kayaks and each child will be paired with an adult. Please keep in mind that your guide has the final say as to whether or not it is safe for you and your child to kayak. This can vary depending on sea conditions, personal fitness and kayaking abilities. Toddlers and/or infants are NOT allowed regardless of sea conditions or personal ability. Please notify us ahead of time if time if you have a child.
Note:
On certain days with certain weather conditions, we might only be able to run the tour with experienced kayakers. If, due to your lack of experience or because of your child(ren)'s ages and capacities, the guide advises that you cannot join the tour, we please ask for your understanding. If this were to be the case, we would either offer you a full refund or to join one of our nature tours depending on availability.
Booking Notes
##Check-in time
- Please meet 15 minutes prior to the departure time
##What to bring
- Back pack for your belongings,
- Food for snacks and dinner,
- A water bottle, which can be refilled at our communal kitchen,
- Clothes comfortable for kayaking, wear layers just in case it’s too hot or cold, bring a spare change just in case you do get a little wet,
- Rain jacket,
- Shoes you can hike in,
- Sun protection..
Cancellation Policy
##Refund policy
No refunds within 24 hours of departure. Exceptions are made if operator cancels the activity due to waterway, road or weather conditions (a full refund would be then given).
**Sea Kayaking**
If a kayaking trip has to be cancelled before leaving Akaroa due to strong winds or warnings, several options would be offered:
- Option 1: No further tours. Full Refund.
- Option 2: Join our Hike and kayak combo (30 minutes' scenic drive with photo stops and commentary, 2 to 3 hours walking down to the bay, time to relax in our communal area and your diner or explore a bit more the area before the evening penguin tour (partial refund will be applied)
**What if the weather is unpredictable and or variable?**
At Pohatu Penguins we try our best to predict the weather to ensure an enjoyable and safe tour. Sometimes, we won’t know if kayaking is suitable until we reach the bay or the wind has unexpectedly changed. If this is the case, there are several options for our kayakers:
- Option 1: An immediate return to Akaroa with a partial refund and no further wildlife guiding can be expected to see penguins or other wildlife on this part of the trip and wait until the evening penguin tour.
- Option 2: Swap for our hike and kayak combo and be dropped off for a self-guided bush walk back down to the bay and receive a partial refund.
**Rainy day policy**
When living in an island nation like New Zealand, the weather us hard to predict and can quickly change; sunny one minute then pouring with rain the next and this even in the middle of summer.
Offering outdoor activities, we may sometimes get rained on. We do not cancel our tours due to rainy days; it is just part of experiencing this wild country.
In saying that, all of our best wildlife viewing is usually when it's raining, especially on our Evening penguin tours.
Just remember to always bring a rain coat to New Zealand, just in case. We all hope for a beautiful sunny day but rain or shine our guides will give you an authentic New Zealand experience.
In consideration of the above no refund can be expected in the event of rain.
A 10% service charge applies to all other cancellation refunds. This does not include the fees charged by the booking platform.
