What to do and see in Akaroa, South Island: The Best Nature & Wildlife Tours

Pohatu penguins is a family owned business that offers 4WD safaris trip to the Largest Little penguin colony on mainland New Zealand. Conservation based tours include: -Evening penguin tours -Scenic nature safaris (2 or 4 hours) -Sea-kayaking with seals and other wildlife -24 or 48 hour package including accommodation in the middle of the penguin colony

A unique journey from the charming shoreline village of Akaroa, up over the rim of an extinct volcano, past spectacular farmland and ocean views, and down eastern slopes to the Pacific Ocean. There, at the foot of one-hundred-metre cliffs, we will encounter an adorable colony of New Zealand Fur Seals, swimming and sun bathing amongst 8-million-year-old volcanic deposits.

Don’t be misled that you are about to embark on merely a simple farm tour. A visit to this 5th, 6th and now 7th generation family, descendants of the earliest French settlers on Banks Peninsula, is thought provoking and entertaining whilst it educates you on how farming has developed from 1837 to the present day.

Let our crew, including our dolphin spotting dogs, take you on a journey of discovery through the long history of Akaroa harbour and its inhabitants. Our low-lying luxurious, spacious boat ensures you have a closer encounter with the rare Hector’s dolphins. We also endeavour to give you the best possible viewing of our local New Zealand fur seals, penguins and seabirds. Along the way, you will get to see sea caves and other spectacular volcanic formations too. We offer a friendly and comfortable experience that includes complimentary drinks of local award-winning wine, beer or juice, as well as some delicious home baking. Our 100% locally owned and operated business is committed to raising awareness and protecting the marine environment. That is why a portion of your fare goes towards protecting our wildlife. To find out more about our conservation commits please visit our website. Please note, we do not swim with the dolphins.

Experience the fantastic coastline around Akaroa in a spacious and comfortable Kauri launch. Local skipper, Tony, takes small groups to view the amazing wildlife,including penguins,dolphins, fur seals, and spectacular rock formations and sea caves.Terrific photo opportunities!

Dolphin Swimming and Harbour Cruise Adventures. Small Professional Family Company 100% Locally Owned & Operated. Only 12 Guests On Each Tour. Personal Experience. Free Dolphin Swimming Photos.

Unique, one of a kind tours and personalized private guiding with a Seventh Generation local, storyteller, ecologist and historian. Gain a unique perspective that only an expert local guide can give. Marie is a wonderful guide with outstanding knowledge in a wide range of topics including the local Maori and European history, nature conservation and natural history, geology and the unique local flora and fauna. Marie's reviews say it all, if you want to connect to the real people and stories of New Zealand with a relaxed and fun individual then look no further. Marie is able to weave together the historic stories and the natural environment in ways that create clear images that allows you a deeper sense of connection to this beautiful place that is Akaroa. You will gain an understanding not only of some of the most remarkable historic stories but how these events have shaped New Zealand. And how local characters such as Marie are working toward world leading nature conservation.

BOAT TRIPS THAT SEEM LIKE PRIVATE TOURS - Avoid the crowds - 8 passengers max. sharing an adventure and friendly, conversational commentary with our family crew. Southern Wanderer is comfortable, safe & fast, allowing us to get down the harbour quickly to spend more time with the spectacular coastline and the wildlife of the marine reserve - and beyond when conditions allow. Encounter the unique range of native flora & fauna, from palm trees to penguins. SCHEDULED SCENIC NATURE CRUISES - Join one of our cruises in Southern Wanderer, departing from Akaroa's main wharf at 9:30am - to make the most of photo opportunities with early-morning light, often in the calmest conditions of the day on an uncrowded harbour - and at 12:00 midday, to link with bus & shuttle services from Christchurch. We also offer affordable rates for PERSONALISED PRIVATE CHARTERS with flexible departure times & durations, for small groups (1-8) of family, friends or colleagues who would prefer a trip to themselves.

We started our Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruises back in 1985 and are the original cruise operators so we know the harbour pretty well. Along the way we've been named as the supreme tourism award winner and also hold the Enviro gold award from Qualmark to recognise our dedication to the environment. Your nature cruise will be on the 'Black Cat', a large modern and stable vessel allowing great views of all the scenery and wildlife including dolphins, seals and penguins. If by some chance you do not see dolphins then we will provide a ticket to come again another day. This happens on average 2% of the time across the whole year. We look forward to meeting you and giving you the best stories from the Akaroa Harbour.

We provide a comprehensive, impartial information and booking service for Akaroa, the Canterbury Region and New Zealand for accommodation, activities, attractions and travel bookings. Furthermore we do have a large gift store where you can find a large selection of clothing, jewellery, including hand carved New Zealand made pounamu (greenstone), New Zealand made creams and soaps, sun glasses and much more.