Hike and Kayak

Scenic 4WD mini-van drive

Fully experienced guides

Wildlife

All gear provided

Looking for an active day New Zealand style? Join us for a full day of outdoor activities combining a morning hike through endemic ancient forest down our private walking track to Pōhatu/Flea Bay and join our sea-kayaking safari in the afternoon to encounter the wildlife of Pōhatu Marine Reserve.

This is a perfect option for people who have a good level of fitness and wish to spend more time in the natural environment of Pōhatu Bay while you also look out for some of the wonderful native wildlife New Zealand has to offer. 

After being picked up in Akaroa at our booking office, you will be transported by 4WD mini-van to the start of your 3-hour hike (regular to relaxed pace). With a map and instructions from your guide you will, at your leisure, walk down part of the famous Banks Track through ancient Red Beech Tree Forest and Tree Ferns to Pōhatu Bay.

Along the way discover many waterfalls, listen to New Zealand's native bird song and visit the prehistoric forest of Tutakakahikura Scenic Reserve with trees over 400 years old.

Once in the bay you will have access to a fully-equipped kitchen and bathroom facilities to relax, eat and get ready for the afternoon sea-kayaking safari starting at 12.45pm in summer and 12.00pm in winter.

  • departure-icon Departure time 8:00am 
  • icons8-hourglass-85-274Tour Length 8 hours
  • Frame 1730-731Free access to facilities for lunch and shower
  • scenic-transport-icoScenic transport included

Hike and Kayak combo

  • Adult

  • $155

  • Child

    5 to 15 years old*
  • $100

  • Group discount

    4 or more (per adult)
  • $135

  • Family concession

    2 adults and 2 children
  • $420

What to bring

  • A backpack for your belongings, clothes and lunch. Pack light as you will have to carry your own backpack down the hiking trail.
  • Hiking boots or hiking shoes.
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses, hat or both
  • Water (can be refilled at our communal kitchen once in the bay)
  • A packed lunch
  • Pack a raincoat just in case; our weather even in the summer months can be unpredictable.

Tour includes

  • Scenic drive by 4WD mini vans
  • Self-guided hike through an ancient forest. A guided option can be arranged at extra cost
  • Access to a fully equipped communal area for lunch
  • Kayaking is fully guided by qualified guides
  • All gear for the sea-kayaking part of the activity (lifejackets, dry jackets, spray deck, dry bags for cameras…)

If you have young children:

We prefer that children are at least 8 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.

Risk disclosure:

Sea kayaking at Pōhatu/Flea Bay comes with risks and can be dangerous. The outer-coast of Akaroa harbor is characterized by: remoteness, rapidly changing and sometimes extreme weather and water conditions, cold water and limited kayak landing sites.

Detailed risk management and strict safety procedures are observed, however, there still remains an element of risk. Pōhatu Penguins/Plunge NZ Ltd cannot absolutely guarantee participants’ safety. Pōhatu Penguins/Plunge NZ Ltd accepts its legal responsibilities but cannot be held responsible for personal injury or loss, theft or damage of/to your equipment outside legal responsibilities.

For these reasons, clients must properly understand English and, listen carefully to and follow guides’ instructions and adhere to safety requirements.
You can find our full Risks disclosure here.
In regards to our cancellation policy see the following link: Cancellation policy

Only in Akaroa for the day?

If you do not have the time to stay late or overnight in Akaroa, consider our Scenic Nature tours that would allow you to see penguins up close in nesting sites.

Check out also our 24 hour Pōhatu Package

Experience a night right in the middle of the largest Australasian Little Penguin colony on mainland New Zealand! Our cosy units are available to enable you to spend more time at Pōhatu Bay and free time to relax and explore Pōhatu´s many secret places. The accommodation is located within easy walking distance of our beautiful safe sandy beach.