Custom Travel Itineraries to New Zealand since 1990
Discover how a remote coastal sanctuary and a devoted local family turned Pōhatu Bay into one of New Zealand’s most inspiring places to meet Little Penguins.
New Zealand is full of unforgettable wildlife experiences. Even so, one place on the South Island stands out for its warmth, authenticity, and remarkable conservation story. Hidden in the remote southeastern corner of Banks Peninsula, far from busy tourist routes, lies Pōhatu Bay. This quiet coastal valley sits beneath steep volcanic cliffs and overlooks a peaceful turquoise cove. More importantly, it shelters the largest mainland colony of Little Penguins in the entire country. It also shelters the family who has spent more than thirty years protecting them.
Pōhatu Penguins is much more than a tour operator. It is a sanctuary, a conservation success, and an invitation into the life and work of the Helps family. Here is why it remains one of the most touching wildlife encounters in New Zealand.
When the Helps family first arrived at their remote farm, they did not realize that their land hid one of Canterbury’s rarest treasures. The bay was home to the White flippered penguin, a local variant of the Little Penguin that lives only in this region. At the time, these birds were struggling to survive. Dogs, cats, stoats, ferrets, gill net fishing, and human disturbance threatened the remaining colonies.
Instead of watching the population disappear, the Helps family took action. They began trapping predators, protecting habitat, and rehabilitating injured birds. They monitored nests week after week and year after year. As a result, the colony slowly recovered. Over time, Pōhatu became the largest Little Penguin colony on mainland New Zealand. Their work eventually inspired the creation of the award winning Wildside Conservation Project, which now helps protect wildlife across the entire peninsula. Today the family’s dedication is so well respected that they have received the New Zealand Order of Merit for their leadership in conservation.
One of the most heartening aspects of Pōhatu Penguins is the way every visitor directly contributes to conservation. The tours they offer are not simply sightseeing experiences. They are the primary source of funding that allows the family to continue protecting the colony.
As visitors explore the bay, they often see conservation work in action. During the breeding season, guides check nesting boxes and share insights about the health of the adults and chicks. In summer, the family may care for penguins recovering from moulting stress or injury. Lucky guests sometimes witness supplemental feedings or even the release of a fully recovered bird back into the wild.
The guides are family members, long time friends, or conservation staff. They speak with genuine passion because they spend their lives working alongside the birds they protect.
Reaching Pōhatu Bay is an adventure in itself. Visitors travel from Akaroa in a four wheel drive vehicle along a scenic backcountry road. The route climbs the rim of an extinct volcano and then descends into a secluded valley that feels far removed from the outside world. Soon the bay appears, revealing a sheltered cove lined with cliffs, forests, and a thriving marine reserve.
Little Penguins nest throughout the hillsides. New Zealand fur seals relax on coastal rocks. Seabirds glide along the wind currents. On calm days, kayakers can sometimes spot the small and rare Hector’s dolphins swimming beneath the surface.
This setting feels peaceful and natural. Visitors often comment that the most striking sounds are the waves, the birds, the sheep grazing in the paddocks, and the soft calls of penguins returning home at dusk.
Among all the experiences Pōhatu offers, the evening penguin tour stands out. After arriving in the bay, visitors join a guided walk through monitored nesting areas. Guides point out burrows, explain penguin behavior, and share stories gathered over decades of hands on work.
As the sun sets, the group enters specially built hides overlooking the water. With telescopes and binoculars, visitors watch the penguins socializing on the waves. Soon the light begins to fade, and the birds start returning to shore after a long day at sea. This moment often feels intimate and unforgettable. To protect the penguins, visitors leave before darkness fully sets in so the birds can reach their nests without disturbance.
Pōhatu Penguins places wildlife welfare at the center of everything they do. The family runs tours in small groups, avoids disturbing active nests, and limits activities to safe weather and sea conditions. They follow strict guidelines for wildlife viewing and encourage every visitor to treat the birds and the land with care.
In addition, the family embraces regenerative tourism. They practice sustainable farming, maintain ongoing predator control, and support local schools and environmental programs. They also work closely with the Department of Conservation and participate in the SMART program for responsible wildlife viewing.
This thoughtful approach not only protects the penguins but also preserves the character of the bay for future generations.
Visitors often describe their time at Pōhatu as the highlight of their New Zealand trip. Many are moved by the family’s dedication and the authentic nature of the experience. It is rare to find a place where you can witness wildlife in such a genuine way while also seeing the people who protect it.
Exploring Akaroa or Banks Peninsula, Pōhatu Penguins offers a meaningful combination of scenery, wildlife, and heartfelt conservation. It is a sanctuary that invites visitors to connect with nature and with the people who have devoted their lives to caring for it. Anyone seeking a moving and unforgettable experience will find it here.
If you would like help arranging a visit to Pōhatu Penguins or planning a full New Zealand itinerary, our team is here to help. Simply reach out and we will create a travel experience that matches your interests and showcases the very best of Aotearoa.
