To travel to New Zealand is to seek many things, but there’s no denying that seeking nature and wildlife is top of any list. How can it not in a landscape filled with breathtaking scenery, wide-open spaces, and abundant flora and fauna?
To seek New Zealand is to seek extraordinary travel, and the whole country acts as a reward for curious manuhiri (visitors). Every journey through Aotearoa offers meaningful connections to the land, to the wildlife, to the people.
Think about it, where else in the world can you experience so many vistas in one day? From the slopes of a mountain to its ancient forests, to volcanic landscapes and spectacular coastlines. And it’s all experienced while spotting New Zealand wildlife; fauna found nowhere else on earth!
Off-the-beaten-path New Zealand is where the rewards are at their most plentiful. Whether it’s a heart-warming moment watching the world’s smallest penguin or discovering the best spots to photograph the raucous kākā parrot in the presence of a knowledgeable kaiārahi (local guide), New Zealand leaves you feeling fulfilled, connected, and richer.
Come with us as we reveal our favourite tours to seek nature and wildlife in New Zealand.
If you seek friendly locals
To step back in time and honour the past, a journey with Kapiti Island Nature Tours is a #NZMustDo. The hospitable and curious manawhenua (local people) invite you to learn about the rare wildlife they have played an integral part in saving from extinction over the past century.
With only 60 visitors permitted on to Kapiti Island daily (so book early), this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Connect to the locals’ stories, uncover the island’s history, and understand the importance the community places on conservation as a gift for future generations.
While on Kapiti Island, you can also explore the quiet forest trails, snap the island’s alluring scenery, or – our pick – stay overnight to attend a nighttime kiwi-spotting tour.
If you seek wondrous wildlife
Seeking unusual wildlife experiences is a bonus of travelling to New Zealand. Especially when you journey to Dunedin to visit the world’s only mainland breeding colony of royal northern albatross with conservation-focused Monarch Wildlife Cruises and Tours!
With unrivalled access to protected areas of natural significance, Monarch’s expert crew get you closer to the wildlife of the Southern Ocean. On the Monarch Peninsula Encounters tours, you’ll also spy fur seals, blue penguins, plus dusky and hector dolphins.
There are also a variety of shore birds to look for, too, as you cruise the inlet ecosystems, including pūkeko, godwits, and royal spoonbills.
If you seek an encounter with nature
Want to see if west is really best? Do so with Franz Josef Wilderness Tours on the untamed South Island West Coast. Legendary destinations await, offering exceptional nature and wildlife experiences in Franz Josef, Lake Mapourika, and Ōkārito Lagoon.
Eco tours, wildlife encounters, and Franz Josef Wilderness Tours go together like pav and cream. Whether it’s a cruise across the mirror waters of Lake Mapourika or exploring a Jurassic forest sanctuary, their passionate nature guides offer meaningful insights at each destination.
If you seek open spaces
Getting out amid pristine wilderness is great; doing it at an award-winning conservation-focused destination is even better! Blue Duck Station, home to the endangered New Zealand blue duck, is an outdoor lover’s paradise on the banks of the Whanganui and Retaruke Rivers.
Kayak, bike, hike, horse trek, jet boat, and take a bush safari across this expansive land. A range of accommodation ensures you’re fully immersed in the best of the Whanganui National Park’s spectacular wilderness.
Blue Duck Station’s core values are to conserve its endangered wildlife, improve the native bush and rivers, and preserve the region’s history. You’ll not only have access to this information during your stay but also that of the plight of the blue duck, along with other native species.
If you seek perspective
You gain perspective on life when you stand in awe of something far, far bigger than yourself. This is possible at the foot of Tāne Mahuta, New Zealand’s largest known living kauri tree.
Known as the ‘Lord of the Forest’, Tāne Mahuta is a 2,000-year-old giant amongst giants in Northland’s Waipoua Forest. When experienced with Footprints Waipoua, you can connect deeply with Tāne Mahuta and the Waipoua Forest. This is thanks to the intimate and spiritual encounters the guides offer.
By sharing thought-provoking insights, Footprints Waipoua’s passionate guides teach you about Tāne Mahuta’s heroic role in Māori creation. Discover the legends, stories, chants, and songs of the Waipoua Forest and the kauri trees that have stood watch for centuries.
If you seek a helping hand
For a truly immersive nature-based experience, there’s nothing like giving back, something you can do on Earthlore’s Give Back to Nature Tour.
Help create habitats for the future generations of Hoiho, the world‘s rarest penguin: the endangered yellow-eyed penguin. Whether you plant natives or weed around YEPT (the Yellow-Eyed Penguin Trust) is up to you. Whatever you choose, consider it like backstage access to an area the general public never visits.
Conservation-focused Earthlore offers you skills and knowledge to experience the Catlins without harm to bush, beach, or birds on their rewarding 5-hour tour.
Agents, seek this
Ready to seek more of Aotearoa?
Download the If You Seek Trade Toolkit here.
Get inspired, up your skills, and create rewarding itineraries when you become a certified 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist. Sign up here.
To improve your sales, why not register for the 100% Pure New Zealand Marketing Hub? You’ll have access to free, customisable, exclusive ‘If You Seek’ marketing materials and resources.
Join Tourism New Zealand’s community of seekers when you add yourself to the Aussie trade Facebook group. For the latest Kiwi travel news, seek connections on the dedicated trade newsletter.
Psst. Want a little something extra? How about the soothing sounds of New Zealand? Download soundtracks of bubbling hot pools, native birds, and more right here!
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