
Pohatu Penguin Tours
Experience intimate penguin encounters and stunning coastal scenery with knowledgeable guides. Book your unforgettable wildlife adventure!

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Penguins are most active

Pohatu Penguin Tours
Best Time
Penguins are most active

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience intimate penguin encounters and stunning coastal scenery with knowledgeable guides. Book your unforgettable wildlife adventure!
"We had an unforgettable time staying here and highly recommend you do the 24 hour stay as well. "

🎯 Book the 24-Hour Stay
Highly recommended for a truly immersive wildlife experience. Guides like Becky are fantastic!
🧥 Layer Up for Cold
Evening tours get chilly. Bring warm clothing, especially for the walk.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Close Penguin Encounters
Nesting grounds
Witness penguins in their natural habitat, often nesting right underfoot! An intimate and unforgettable wildlife experience.

Scenic Coastal Hikes
Property trails
Explore picturesque landscapes with stunning scenery and abundant wildlife. The hikes offer a unique perspective of the natural beauty.

Sea Kayaking Adventures
Coastal waters
Paddle along the coast with experienced guides, feeling safe and entertained while enjoying the ocean views.

Farm Animal Interactions
Property grounds
Meet adorable lambs and other farm animals, adding a charming touch to your nature immersion.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Penguin Encounter Early
Prepare for the Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book the 24-Hour Stay
Highly recommended for a truly immersive wildlife experience. Guides like Becky are fantastic!
🧥 Layer Up for Cold
Evening tours get chilly. Bring warm clothing, especially for the walk.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Walks can be uneven. Sturdy footwear is essential for navigating the terrain.
🐧 Watch Your Step!
Penguins nest everywhere, even under floorboards! Be mindful of their presence.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book the 24-Hour Stay
Highly recommended for a truly immersive wildlife experience. Guides like Becky are fantastic!
🧥 Layer Up for Cold
Evening tours get chilly. Bring warm clothing, especially for the walk.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Walks can be uneven. Sturdy footwear is essential for navigating the terrain.
🐧 Watch Your Step!
Penguins nest everywhere, even under floorboards! Be mindful of their presence.
🤓 Embrace the Education
Guides like Geraldine and Kevin are incredibly knowledgeable about biodiversity and native plants.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Pohatu Penguin Tours for its unforgettable wildlife encounters, particularly the close proximity to nesting penguins. The knowledgeable and passionate guides, along with the stunning scenery and unique activities like sea kayaking, create a highly memorable experience. Some note the terrain can be uneven and the evening tours can be cold, advising visitors to prepare accordingly.
"We had an unforgettable time staying here and highly recommend you do the 24 hour stay as well. Becky, our guide, was quite knowledgeable and helpful. We really enjoyed the hike into the property. The scenery was picturesque. The property is surrounded by wildlife, so you get a very close and personal experience. The sea kayaking guides, Ben and Kevin, were funny and made us feel very safe. All the facilities were quite clean and the accommodation was comfortable. Watch out for penguins at night however because they are nesting all over the property even under the bathroom floorboards!"
Ben Evans
"We did the evening tour. Our tour guide Geraldine was lovely and gave us all the information we could've wanted and more. Wonderful scenery, and we went in early September and were lucky enough to see not only a lot of penguins but also lambs and a fur seal.
The walk is not as intense as the website makes it sound so don't worry too much. A bit narrow or uneven in some places but not too many steep hills or anything. It does get cold."
Naomi Martin
"My daughter and I went on the 2-hour Pohatu Penguins nature tour today with Kevin as our guide, and we had the best time! We absolutely loved getting up close and personal with all the animals. Kevin’s knowledge and passion for the environment made the whole experience even more special – we learned so much while still having a lot of fun. Such a unique and memorable experience, and we highly recommend it to anyone visiting the area. Thank you so much Kevin, we will be back! My daughter is already asking about doing the school holiday program with you guys."
Anna Armstrong
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access to Pohatu Penguin Tours involves a scenic, though potentially 'scary,' minibus ride with unique sights along the way. The property itself is surrounded by wildlife, offering a very close and personal experience with nature.
The route can be narrow and uneven in places, with some steep slopes. While not overly intense, it's advisable to be comfortable with such terrain. The views are worth the journey!
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Pricing varies depending on the tour package, with options like the 2-hour nature tour and the highly recommended 24-hour stay. It's best to check their official website for the most current pricing and availability.
Yes, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for the popular 24-hour stays, as tours can sell out quickly.
Tours typically run in the evenings to coincide with penguin activity. The 24-hour stays offer a more extended experience. Check their schedule for specific tour times.
Yes, Pohatu Penguin Tours offers various options, including shorter nature tours and immersive 24-hour stays. You can also experience sea kayaking with their guides.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can expect to see a large number of penguins, often nesting very close by. Visitors have also spotted lambs, fur seals, and a rich variety of native plants.
The walks can be a bit narrow or uneven in some places, with some steep slopes. They are generally not considered too intense, but comfortable footwear is recommended.
Yes, it can get cold during evening tours, so it's advised to layer up properly.
Absolutely! Guides like Becky, Geraldine, and Kevin are consistently praised for their extensive knowledge of the environment, biodiversity, and native plants, making the tours educational and fun.
Yes, you can get very close and personal with the penguins, as they often nest all over the property, even in unexpected places!
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Information regarding meal inclusions is not explicitly detailed in reviews. For 24-hour stays, it's advisable to inquire directly with Pohatu Penguin Tours about meal arrangements.
Given the remote nature of the location, dining options nearby may be limited. It's recommended to plan your meals accordingly or check with the tour operator for any available catering.
📸 📸 Photography
Evening tours offer a unique opportunity to photograph penguins returning to shore. The scenic landscapes are also excellent subjects throughout the day. Remember to be mindful of wildlife and avoid flash photography that could disturb the animals.
Yes, you can use your phone for photos. Many visitors capture memorable moments of the penguins and scenery. Guides can also help you spot wildlife for great photo opportunities.
While generally permitted, it's important to be respectful of the wildlife. Avoid using flash photography directly at the penguins, as it can startle them. Always follow your guide's instructions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the walks are manageable, it's wise to ensure children have comfortable shoes for the uneven terrain. The evening tours are magical for spotting penguins, but remember to dress warmly as it can get chilly. The 24-hour stay offers an extended adventure, but for shorter visits, the 2-hour nature tour is also highly engaging for families.
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Wildlife Lovers
The scenic hikes provide stunning vistas and a deeper appreciation for the rugged coastal landscape. Consider the 24-hour stay for a truly immersive experience, allowing you to witness the area's natural rhythms around the clock. The sea kayaking option also offers a unique perspective of the coastline and its inhabitants.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Pohatu Penguin Experience
The property itself boasts picturesque scenery and is teeming with wildlife. Beyond the penguins, guests have reported seeing lambs and fur seals, especially during certain times of the year. The sea kayaking excursions are also a highlight, with guides ensuring a safe and enjoyable adventure on the water. The 24-hour stay option is particularly recommended for those seeking a deeper immersion into this wild environment.
While the walks are generally not overly strenuous, they can be uneven and narrow in places, and it does get cold, especially on evening tours. Therefore, wearing comfortable, sturdy footwear and layering clothing is essential for a pleasant experience. The journey to the venue, though potentially a bit 'scary,' offers its own set of unique sights.
Navigating the Terrain and Weather
Weather is another factor to consider, particularly for evening tours. It gets cold, and the coastal environment can be breezy. Layering clothing is the most frequently advised strategy to stay comfortable. Think base layers, a fleece or sweater, and a windproof outer layer. Being prepared for the elements ensures you can fully enjoy the wildlife viewing and the stunning scenery without being distracted by discomfort.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit