A Nature Safari

A Nature Safari
Price: $129.00
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Summary
Shore Excursion Size ? Small
Shore Excursion Type Cultural, Scenic
Shore Excursion Duration 4 Hours
Activity Level ? Moderate
Shore Excursion Leaves From ? Cruise Ship Pier or Cruise Ship Tender Pier
Food/Beverage Provided Drinks and muffins are included.
Recommended Dress We recommend wearing comfortable, weather appropriate clothing and walking shoes. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are suggested. Walking shoes or hiking boots, a rain jacket, and a big bottle of water are recommended.
Restrictions Guests must be able to step in and out of the vehicle and walk on rugged, uneven ground. This tour is NOT wheelchair accessible.

New Zealand Safari

Grab your camera and get ready to score some impressive shots from the top of Banks Peninsula as you head toward the working sheep farm and penguin colony habitat at Pohatu/Flea Bay. Along the way you will see the beautiful Tutakakahikura Scenic Reserve and Akaroa Head Reserve.

Your New Zealand safari adventure begins as you hop into a rugged, 4WD vehicle and traverse over one of the highest and most scenic passes along the Banks Peninsula. Stand at the crater rim of the ancient Akaroa Volcano to capture the stunning volcanic coastal cliffs and gaze out over the mesmerizing Akaroa Harbor and Pacific Ocean. Be sure to get photos of the charming lighthouse as you stop at the Akaroa Head Reserve.

Walk through the secluded red beech forest at Tutakakahikura Scenic Reserve and keep an eye - and ear - out for the myriad of birds. At Pohatu/Flea Bay conservancy you will have an opportunity to photograph and pet sheep and see playful little penguins in nesting sites (season is August to mid February). If you're lucky you might even be there for a rare appearance of a yellow-eyed penguin! Learn about lizard conservation and what the conservancy is doing to protect and nurture the close to 2,500 strong penguin colony.

This family-friendly nature safari tour includes coffee or tea and delicious muffins. If you love animals and love photographing gorgeous scenery, this is the tour for you! Book now to experience New Zealand nature at its finest.

See our FAQ for more information

5 Stars5.0 / 5  |  23 ReviewsReview This Tour
A Nature Safari
April 14, 2020
Excellent, we really enjoyed our day.
Reviewer: David
5 Stars
Knowledgeable and dedicated guide
March 31, 2020
This is primarily focused on a penguin colony. It is best to visit in December thru February when the colony is in residence. We were there in early March and only saw one because she was a late molter. The guide is part of the staff, probably a family member. They are very knowledgeable and dedicated to the work being done to conserve the colony.
Reviewer: Gill Keith
5 Stars
Outstanding tour
March 27, 2020
This was a terrific tour. There were only 6 of us, so whether walking or in the van, we could always hear everything the guide said. The scenery was spectacular. A highlight was the visit to a penguin rescue center where we were able to see little blue penguins up close. Our guide Ave from Pohatu Penguins was outstanding: knowledgeable, personable, capable, and entertaining. This tour was one of the top highlights of our trip to New Zealand.
Reviewer: Gordon McFaull
5 Stars
New Zealand Safari
March 17, 2020
This excursion was fantastic! Averil, our guide was excellent, knowledgeable and fun! Even though we were late because of issues getting off the boat, they waited for everyone and everything went perfectly. The 4 wheel drive vehicle turned out to be a very comfortable 4 wheel drive mini-van- great! The views were amazing, penguins, sheep, all the animals were beautiful. It was a very small group so we really got close and it was a great experience. I highly recommend this tour.
Reviewer: Steven Wiener
5 Stars
Fantastic
May 09, 2019
This was a great tour. Guide met us timely at the ship and returned us timely as well. We saw all kinds of birds. It was greatm
Reviewer: Kristine Busse Dohm
5 Stars
Great fun
May 04, 2019
We loved the scenery and the guides were great. There were breath taking views which one could gaze at all day if you had the time. The sheep farm did not disappoint.we were able to feed the sheep out of our hands and pet them. They were so soft. After tea we even were lucky enough to see a little blue penguin in one of the “houses”
Reviewer: Brian and Elizabeth Coursey
5 Stars