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Wildlife Sea-kayaking Safari

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Scenic 4WD mini-van drive

Photo opportunities

Fully experienced guides

All kayak gear provided

Just an hour and half drive from Christchurch is Akaroa where your wildlife sea-kayaking safari starts from. Jump in our 4WD mini vans for a scenic drive and marvel at Akaroa harbour from its crater rim before going down to Pōhatu marine reserve and explore the wild outer coast of Banks Peninsula by kayak. Admire its spectacular towering cliffs, rock stacks, reefs, and deep sea caves and encounter its unique wildlife.

Flea Bay Island and the impressive island arch make an added exciting attraction in settled sea conditions. Observe the diverse (native to New Zealand) wildlife and marine species such as Kororā/White-Flippered penguins, New Zealand fur seals (and their pups), various sea birds and possibly the world’s smallest and New Zealand's endemic dolphin!

Best of all, no kayaking experience necessary! Trips are only run in settled, safe conditions by experienced and knowledgeable guides. Your safety is top mind.

Tour includes:

  • Scenic drive by 4WD mini vans from Akaroa
  • Photos stops along the way with commentary about the area
  • Fully guided kayak trip by qualified and experienced staff
  • All kayaking gear (life jackets, dry jackets, spray deck, dry bags for cameras…)
  • 100% guarantee to see New Zealand Fur seals

Our qualifications:

  • We are the only Department of Conservation approved sea-kayaking operator in the area.
  • We are a SMART accredited operator and our guides share with you how to safely, for us but mostly for the wildlife, encounter and behave around Banks Peninsula marine mammals.
  • We run a safe kayaking operation audited by SkillsActive.
  • Our guides have various sea-kayaking qualifications and extensive experience and knowledge about the area and the unique New Zealand wildlife.

Option 1: Early bird kayaking

 

  • departure-icon Departure time 8:00 am
  • icons8-hourglass-85-274Tour Length
    3.5 hours total. 1 – 1.5 hours kayaking on the water depending upon conditions and wildlife.
  • scenic-transport-icoScenic transport included from our office in Akaroa

Early bird kayaking

  • Adult

  • $115

  • Child

    5 to 15 years old*

  • $85

Option 2: 4WD Scenic Sea-kayaking safari

  • departure-icon Departure time 12pm and 11.15am from May till September 
  • icons8-hourglass-85-274Tours Length 
    4 hours total. 1 – 1.5 hours kayaking on the water depending upon conditions and wildlife.
  • scenic-transport-icoScenic transport included from our office in Akaroa
  • template1-tour-list2-958Photo stops and commentary included
     

4WD Scenic Sea-kayaking safari

  • Adult

  • $125

  • Child

    5 to 15 years old*

  • $85

  • Group discount

    4 or more (per adult)

  • $110

  • Family Concession

    2 adults and 2 children

  • $390

Option 3: Kayaking Combos


Looking for a more active day in Akaroa? Check out our Combo page.

Our most popular combos are:

What to bring

  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses, hat or both.
  • Water
  • Change of clothes (Although we provide waterproof spray jackets, you may still get damp!
  • Comfortable, weather-suitable clothing that you don't mind getting wet.

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