New Zealand enjoys many unique and native birds inhabiting both coastal and inland areas. Go bird watching and see birds in their natural and native habitats or visit a bird sanctuary. Bird watching and bird sanctuaries in New Zealand. New Zealand bird watching and New Zealand bird sanctuaries.

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Bird Watching and Sanctuaries

New Zealand enjoys many unique and native birds inhabiting both coastal and inland areas. Go bird watching and see birds in their natural and native habitats or visit a bird sanctuary.

Select bird watching and bird sanctuaries in New Zealand by clicking on the map, using the region links or browse by the view all listings option.

 

  • AKAROA DOLPHINS - Akaroa

    Come to delightful, historic Akaroa. Experience a journey of discovery through millions of years of fascinating history and natural heritage. Step aboard our stylish new catamaran for the nature cruise of a lifetime around a natural wonder—Akaroa Harbour. See marine birdlife, seals, penguins and the rare Hector's dolphin...(more)

  • ALBATROSS COLONY - Dunedin

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    Taiaroa Head is unique for the diversity of wildlife which abounds on this small headland, and includes the only mainland colony of albatross in the world. To sight a soaring Albatross is unforgettable—a spectacle touched with a dignity and majesty no other bird can excel. Cruise to Dunedin Peninsula to view the Royal Albatrosses...(more)

  • ALBATROSS ENCOUNTER - Kaikoura

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    Kaikoura has the greatest number of different seabirds in a small area. View these birds in their natural environment. These include albatross, petrels, shearwaters, terns, shags and gulls. Experience the sensation of getting close to the mighty albatross, one of the world's largest flight birds...(more)

  • BACK TO NATURE TOURS - Dunedin

    The most comprehensive nature tour of the Otago Peninsula. Enjoy a scenic tour that includes the royal albatross, fur seals, sea-lions, waders, waterfowl and the rare yellow-eyed penguin. We also visit Larnach Castle and introduce you to New Zealand's temperate rainforest...(more)

  • D-TOURS SCENIC ADVENTURES - Dunedin and Otago Area

    Seven personally guided tours designed to show you Otago's truly unique attractions. Royal Albatross Colony and Yellow-eyed Penguins of Otago Peninsula, curious Moeraki Boulders, the working McRae's Gold Mine, Otago Rail Trail, Lord of the Rings Tour, Moa Creek Ghost Town and 4WD Adventure Tour. Reasonable prices, courtesy hotel pick up, entertaining, knowledgeable driver/guide...(more)

  • HIKING NEW ZEALAND - Nationwide

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    New Zealand's hiking and outdoor adventure specialist! Recognised by New Zealand Tourism and presented the Distinction Award for winning awards in three consecutive years. Visit our Web site for a comprehensive selection of guided hikes and adventures. Hikes include: Abel Tasman, Queen Charlotte Track, Stewart Island and Hollyford Track. Adventures include: Ski Touring, Sailing, Whanganui River Canoe and Antarctic Expeditions...(more)

  • KAPITI TOURS - Kapiti Island

    Kapiti Island—one of New Zealand's premier rodent free conservation treasures. A unique opportunity to observe an abundance of native birds, many of which are extremely scarce on the mainland. You have the option of easy and relaxed bush walks or a three hour round trip to the trig (521 metres above sea level) and expansive views...(more)

  • KIWI ENCOUNTER - Rotorua

    Take a tour of Kiwi Encounter and see 'conservation in action' as you tour through our working nursery and hatchery where Kiwi are raised before their release back into the wild. Learn about the kiwi's unique and endearing characteristics, it's origins, habitat and how it lives...(more)

  • KIWI HOUSE & NATIVE BIRD PARK - Otorohanga

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    Come and spend an evening with us viewing kiwi in a truly unique setting. From the comfort of a hide you will encounter kiwi at eye level and observe them feeding amongst the leaf litter. Kiwi can also be seen during the daytime at the Kiwi House. New Zealand's largest aviary...(more)

  • MANA ISLAND SAILING ADVENTURES - Wellington

    Sail with us into the Cook Strait in the safety and comfort of an 11-metre ocean going yacht. Enjoy the stunning views across to the Marlborough Sounds and snow capped Kaikoura mountain range and north to Kapiti Island. Picnic on the grassy foreshore of Mana Island among the rare native birds and wildlife. Only 30 minutes from Wellington central city...(more)

  • NATURE GUIDES OTAGO - Dunedin

    Superior accommodation and small-group guided wildlife tours for the discerning nature lover. Nature-based packages including two to three nights accommodation, breakfast, picnic lunch, Sunrise Penguin Walk, albatross viewing, and other wildlife observations around Dunedin, Otago Peninsula, and the Catlins. Flexible and personalised to suit your special interests. Maximum four to six people...(more)

  • OAMARU BLUE PENGUIN COLONY - Oamaru

    Be captivated by New Zealand’s largest colony of the world’s smallest penguin in its natural environment. Day time Behind the Scenes Tour: see nesting birds close up, when they are ashore. Evening Viewing: see these personality packed penguins return home from a day’s fishing. Ecotourism at its finest...(more)

  • PUKAHA MOUNT BRUCE - Wairarapa

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    New Zealand's National Wildlife Centre for captive breeding of our threatened wildlife, conservation education and forest restoration. Demonstrating that everyone can make a difference in restoring kiwi, kokako, kaka and other native wildlife once present in our forest and returning the dawn chorus for everyone to enjoy...(more)

  • WHITE HERON SANCTUARY TOURS - Whataroa, Westland

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    Visit New Zealand's only White Heron (Kotuku) nesting colony. The beautiful White Heron breeds only in a single secret location in what is one of the most romantic parts of the country—in the Waitangiroto nature reserve—part of the South Westland World Heritage area. Rainforest nature tours and scenic jetboating all year round...(more)

  • WILLOWBANK WILDLIFE RESERVE - Christchurch

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    Just 15 minutes from Christchurch, you'll find a world of fascination and knowledge. Our New Zealand experience brings you face to face with many of New Zealand's native and introduced animals. Our kiwis can be viewed in New Zealand's largest nocturnal house—by day. Night kiwi viewing outside, under the stars...(more)

 

  • Driftwood Ecotours - Marlborough

    Driftwood Eco-tours is a boutique company based near Blenheim. Owner and guide Will Parsons encourages small groups and each tour is personalised to the client. Also river walks and high country tours, including a homemade picnic and wine...(more)

  • Ruggedy Range(™) Wilderness Experience - Stewart Island, Southland

    Explore Ulva Island and Stewart Island's superb wilderness in small groups with local operator. Our genuine natural history guided walks, hikes, and bird watching trips come highly recommended. Watch kiwi in the wild. Sea kayak tranquil bays. Travel and accommodation packages, day packages, and water taxis arranged...(more)

 

  • Bushy Park - Wanganui

    Bushy Park offers B&B accommodation in a 100-year-old heritage homestead. Located in a bird sanctuary with endangered native birds there are a network of walking tracks. Day visitors are welcome...(more)

Travel Competition

New Zealand travel competition with great prize worth NZ$600

Qualmark

qualmark Qualmark® is New Zealand tourism's official mark of quality and the world's first integrated quality assurance system. (more)