Pōhatu Marine Reserve Kayak & 4WD Adventure from Akaroa
Highlights & inclusions
1. Select date
September 2026
2. Select participants
What you can expect
Journey beyond Akaroa on a scenic 4WD safari to Pōhatu, travelling through a landscape shaped by ancient volcanic activity and dramatic coastal scenery. Along the way, your guide shares stories of the region while you wind through private farmland and remote corners of Banks Peninsula that few visitors get to see. Keep your camera handy. The views across the rugged coastline are worth the stop.
Paddle into the sheltered waters of the Pōhatu Marine Reserve and explore a stretch of coastline only accessible with accredited guides. Follow towering cliffs and volcanic headlands while keeping watch for Hector's dolphins, New Zealand fur seals, and the area's famous little penguin colony. With expert guidance and all equipment provided, this is an active and rewarding way to experience one of the South Island's most wildlife-rich coastal environments.
Location
What you need to know
- Guided Pōhatu Marine Reserve adventure
- Akaroa pickup in a comfortable 4WD van
- Scenic drive to Pōhatu
- Kayak, paddle, splash jacket and life vest
- Knowledgeable tour guide
- Meals and hotel transfers to the Akaroa meeting point.
- Tour departs at 12pm from October to April and 11:15 am from May to September, subject to availability.
- This experience is approximately 3.5 to 4 hours in duration with an hour to an hour and a half kayaking.
- This experience departs from the Wildside Booking office, Unit 3, 8 Rue Balguerie, Akaroa 7520, Canterbury.
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- A change of clothing
- Wear something comfortable: leggings or board shorts - jeans are not suitable
- Wear layers that you can add/remove if it is too hot or cold.
- Optional wind and waterproof jacket
- Minimum of two adults and a maximum of sixteen participants per trip
- Bookings are essential
- Changes are not permitted within 24 hours of your experience
- Late arrivals or no-shows may result in you forfeiting your experience
- A 10% service charge applies to all cancellation refunds
- Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
- Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience
- For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
- A 10% service charge applies to all cancellation refunds
- No refunds within 24 hours of departure unless the Operator cancels the activity due to waterway, road or weather conditions
- If a kayaking trip has to be cancelled because of an unexpected wind change or tsunami warning on arrival at Pohatu after the scenic 4WD van safari has been undertaken two options would be offered. An immediate return with a 50% refund and no further wildlife guiding can be expected to see penguins or other wildlife or venture on the Full Scenic Nature Safari tour
