Join one of our small group tours to discover Pōhatu/Flea Bay and the Pōhatu Marine Reserve, a stunning sheltered bay on the wild southeastern corner of Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū/Banks Peninsula. This area is home to the largest Little Penguin colony on mainland New Zealand, boasting over 1,500 breeding penguins.
Our guides are conservationists, friends, and family, bringing years of experience in penguin conservation, a passion for sharing their stories, and a wealth of local knowledge passed down through generations.
When the Helps family first began their conservation efforts, Little Penguins faced significant threats to their survival. These challenges included predation by introduced animals like dogs, cats, ferrets, and stoats, along with gill net fishing and other human disturbances. Penguin colonies around Banks Peninsula declined drastically, with many disappearing altogether.
Through predator trapping, monitoring, and rehabilitation, the Helps family has stabilized the Pōhatu colony, allowing it to grow to become the largest on mainland New Zealand.
In addition to penguin conservation, the Helps family has long protected native forests and endemic species. Their work contributed to the award-winning Wildside Conservation Project. They continue to lead in conservation efforts and have been honored with the New Zealand Order of Merit for their achievements.
Funds from Pōhatu Penguins’ tours support ongoing conservation work, so when you purchase a tour, you’re helping our little Kororā thrive. We offer something for everyone, from a 2-hour nature tour to an overnight stay in the penguin colony, or a sea-kayaking safari combined with hiking for the adventurous. Visit our website to choose your option!