This charming 160 yr old pioneer cottage is the second night for walkers on the four day walk, and a midday stop on the two day walk.
Set just 200m back from the safe swimming beach and with verandah views of the bay and Pohatu marine reserve
Electric stove, lights, hot water, shower. Log burner, flush toilets, lots of room. Piano. Gas barbecue.
The cottage is sited within the boundaries of the largest mainland colony of Little Penguin in NZ. Penguins may be heard calling from surrounding hillsides especially in October.
The Flea Bay property was purchased by Francis and Steve Helps as a development farm in 1969. Areas were set aside for conservation, by now more than 80 acres are covered by covenants, with the balance run as a sheep and beef store farm alongside the home property in Akaroa.
Francis and Shireen live in Flea Bay where they have done an enormous amount of conservation work, especially with predator control and with fostering the growing white flippered penguin colony.
Francis is the official Track 'spokesperson', has held a number of positions in the company and sees many of the walkers whilst providing the (seasonal) penguin tour. Shireen sees many of the walkers guiding her kayaking trips which receive great feedback.
Francis and Shireen run Kayaking on Pohatu Marine Reserve & Little Blue Penguin Viewing at Flea Bay, in addition to the trips for Track walkers.
Steve and Pam Helps farm the Flea Bay property in conjunction with Francis and Shireen. Steve and Pam live in Aylmers Valley in Akaroa, managing the home farm property. From 1969 - 1974 their home was the Flea Bay cottage now used by the walkers.
Steve has been the treasurer for the Track since the beginning, and Pam does local brochure distribution and the orientation talk for walkers four days a week.
Steve and Pam look after the cottage and their track section in conjunction with Francis and Shireen.
All four of them represent the Helps shareholding in the Track.
