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Joni Stone   Meet Joni, one of our travel experts for New Zealand.


Born in the Southwest, raised in the Northwest, I have called the South Pacific home for over 30 years. I founded J2 Travels in the late 1990s to share our knowledge with other like minded travelers – remembering always, that the joy is in the journey. I currently live on Maui, I'm endorsed by IATA, and am a member of the Fiji, Tahiti and New Zealand Tourism Boards.



Akaroa Scenic Nature Tour

Explore > New Zealand > Christchurch/Canterbury > Akaroa Scenic Nature Tour

Akaroa Scenic Nature Tour

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Akaroa Scenic Nature Tour - Akaroa Scenic Nature Tour. Copyright ShoreTrips.com.


Overview



Penguins, lizards, sheep and insects!

When it comes to New Zealand sometimes it makes sense to just throw your hands up and say you don't want to see anything but nature. Sure, maybe historical landmarks are an interesting insight into local culture but perhaps you just leave that type of exploration for Ancient Rome. One of the best aspects of New Zealand is the beauty of Mother Nature and that's exactly what this tour focuses on.

You'll embark on a journey that can only be attempted by 4WD as you make your way to the Pohatu Reserve with breathtaking photo stops along the way. We'll make a few stops to stretch our legs and to hike to better vantage points for some photo opportunities and potential wildlife viewing. Along the way, you'll learn all about the region's history, ecology, and geology with commentary from your guide.

Heading down to the Pohuta reserve, which is a working sheep farm where you can have a real 'kiwi' experience with our very friendly sheep. White-flippered penguins breed at Pohatu which is the largest little penguin colony on mainland New Zealand. As your guide monitors nesting sites you will have the opportunity to see penguins up close (including chicks in season) and you will learn all about the lifestyle of these fascinating creatures. Although this isn't a bird watching tour, if you have a checklist make sure to bring it along. A variety of native birds make their home on the peninsula with an abundance of seafood and land critters to snack on. You will also be introduced to the distinctive Tree Weta insect and probably some fast-moving lizards. There is always something new going on in the Pohatu Reserve so every visit will be as unique as the last.

This is the New Zealand you have always imagined!

- Please bring water, sun protection and comfortable walking shoes.
- This tour is not recommended for travelers with limited mobility.

- This tour can accommodate a maximum of 18 passengers.
- Please note that wildlife can be unpredictable and the penguins often start leaving the colony in March. Akaroa is a beautiful area and if the penguin activity is low, the tour will focus on other native wildlife.

Days offered: 7 days a week

Departures:
  • 12:00 PM, duration: 4 hours


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