Pohatu Penguins is a family-run business with a long standing history of protecting the Korora (Little Penguin). The colony survival is accredited to Shireen and Francis Helps whom have cared for the penguins for 30+ years.

When the Helps first began their conservation work the penguins faced massive challenges that threatened their very existence. These challenges included predation via introduced predators such as dogs, cats, ferrets and stoats, gill net fishing and other human disturbances. Colonies around Banks Peninsula declined at an alarming rate and most disappeared altogether. Through predator trapping, monitoring, rehabilitation and immense dedication the Helps have stabilized the Pohatu Colony - and it continues to grow!

In addition to their penguin conservation work the Helps family have also, for many years, protected native forests and other endemic species. Their dedication is an inspiring example of what one family can do and they have won many awards for their work in penguin and habitat conservation and also helped found the award-winning Wildside Conservation Project. To this day, the Helps family continue to be leaders in conservation!

Their efforts continue to be fully self-funded via Pohatu Penguins’ tours so when purchasing a tour you help our Little Korora!

Join one of our tour and learn of the conservation work we do to save this endangered species. See penguins up close, feed our friendly pet sheep, spot many other native wildlife and take photos of our beautiful coastal scenery, getting to have a real unique kiwi experience.

From 2 hour Nature tours to our 24 hour Pohatu package including accommodation or for the more adventurous our sea-kayaking safari seeing a seal colony and other marine wildlife, we are with you from the beginning to the end.

All tours leave from our office in the historic French village of Akaroa.
You will be transported by 4WD mini-vans over the hills of Akaroa extinct volcano to many view points along the way for photo opportunities. You will stand at 700 meters altitude on the crater rim where you will have a 360 degres view from the entire Akaroa harbor to the endless beauty of the Pacific Ocean all around.

Monitoring of penguins nesting sites (in season) will allow you to get up close and personnel giving you a very good opportunity for photos.

For more information visit our website: www.pohatu.co.nz and if you have any questions feel free to get in touch by e-mail or phone (details on our “Contact us” page).