Canterbury Region

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 Helps family continue to be leaders in conservation.

Their efforts continue to be fully self-funded via Pohatu Penguins tours.

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

Small group tours run from Akaroa over one of the most scenic back country roads by 4WD van to Pohatu/ Flea Bay and Pohatu 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 2000 penguins breeding there.

Many tour options to see and experience this thriving Little penguin colony include Evening penguin tour, Nature tours, Sea-kayaking safaris, Hiking or a 24 hour package with a night in the middle of the colony.

Evening penguin tour
Observe penguins in the wild on this evening adventure. A wonderful option for people who wish to take part in our monitoring program and learn more, in depth, about our conservation efforts giving you great insight into the life of a penguin.

Sea-kayaking safari
Explore the towering volcanic cliffs, reefs and sea caves of Pohatu marine reserve en encounter its unique wildlife.

4-hour Scenic Nature safaris
Join a 4WD safari to the spectacular, award winning Wildside Conservation area.
Learn about the areas rich history, native flora and fauna and Pohatus unique penguin conservation program. 
Our Nature Safaris offer stunning views of Akaroa Harbour, the outer coast, farm land and forested hillsides. Be greeted by the farms, friendly pet sheep and see White-Flippered penguins as we monitor nesting sites. 

4-hour Scenic Nature safaris
Join a 4WD safari to the spectacular, award winning Wildside Conservation area.
Learn about the areas rich history, native flora and fauna and Pohatus unique penguin conservation program. 
Our Nature Safaris offer stunning views of Akaroa Harbour, the outer coast, farm land and forested hillsides. Be greeted by the farms, friendly pet sheep and see White-Flippered penguins as we monitor nesting sites. 

Pohatu package
Have it all including in of our overnight stay in our historic and cosy private rooms in the middle of the penguin colony! Enjoy the safe swimming beach just outside your door or explore the surrounding and secluded landscape.
Complementary evening penguin tour in season, discounted sea-kayaking and an opportunity to walk the beautiful bush and waterfall section of the well-known Banks Track. Visit to the spectacular cliff-tops of the Akaroa Heads Lighthouse Reserve.
At night gaze up and see the milky and wake up to the sound of birdsong, sheep and the sea.

Hike and Kayak combo
Looking for an active day? Join us for a full day of adventure combining a morning hike through endemic ancient forest down our private walking track to Pohatu bay and join our sea-kayaking safari in the afternoon to encounter Pohatu marine reserve wildlife.

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Conservation in Akaroa

Pohatu penguins