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Evening Penguin Tour

Instant confirmation
Free cancellation

Evening Penguin Tour

Next available dates
Mon
23 Dec
Tue
24 Dec
Wed
25 Dec
Available options
Bestseller

Evening Penguin Tour

Instant confirmation
Free cancellation
Next availability: Mon, 23 Dec

From

AUD 101.57

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Highlights

Pōhatu stands as the largest Australasian Little Penguin colony on mainland New Zealand. The prime time for penguin viewing occurs during the breeding season, spanning from the end of August to December. While moulting penguins can be observed in January and February, there are no penguins sighted starting from late February through early April. Nonetheless, excellent viewing opportunities occasionally arise from mid-April to September when the birds periodically return from the sea. This option caters to those interested in partaking in our monitoring program, offering an in-depth understanding of our conservation efforts. It provides valuable insights into the penguins' lives and an opportunity to observe these birds up close. Commence the experience with a guided walk around the colony, monitoring nesting sites to ensure the well-being of our Little Penguins. Then, from our hides, observe the penguins undisturbed and socializing on the water using binoculars and telescopes. At dusk, there's a high likelihood of penguins returning to shore. Departure occurs before darkness falls, allowing the penguins to continue their activities undisturbed.
Walk around the colony to monitor nesting sites
Observation of undisturbed penguins from hides using binoculars and telescopes
High likelihood of penguins returning to shore at dusk
Insightful learning about conservation efforts and monitoring program

Additional information

Good to know
We only rely on natural lighting as the penguin colony has been studied to be very sensitive to light.
We generally depart 2.5 hours before sunset.
Depending on the time of year we need to adjust the departure time but the table below gives you a rough idea of timing:

January, 7:30AM - 7.00pm
February, 7.00AM - 6.15PM
March: No tours
April, 4:00PM
May, 3.30PM
June, 3.00PM
July, 3:00PM
August, 3:30PM - 4:00PM
September, 4:00PM - 4:30PM
October, 4:30PM - 6:00PM
November, 6:00PM - 7:00PM
December, 7:00PM - 7:30PM
Ages 2+ • Approx 2.5 - 3 hours • Pickup Included • See some of NZ's amazing wildlife!
Child ticket is for ages 5 - 15 years.
Good walking shoes or boots with good grip soles that can cope with a bit of mud in wet conditions.
The track can be demanding for some and can be slippery in wet conditions. We do our best to have a well formed track in good condition as far as the viewing hides that most people can cope with.
Bring warm clothing (some additional camouflage clothing will be provided).
Binoculars. Although we provide some, you might want to bring your owns as we might not have one per person.
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.
Location note
Meet at Wildside Booking office (behind the BNZ bank and next to the Anglican Church) - 2 Rue Balguerie, Akaroa 7520, New Zealand

Location

Provider

Pōhatu penguins/Plunge NZ Ltd

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