New Zealand's Natural History

Tucked away in the southern rim of the Pacific, New Zealand is a land with an enchanting and refreshing nature. Whilst a morning may be greeted high in majestic mountain valleys by hearing the discreet scuttle of a skink beneath alpine shrubs, the afternoon may be spent on the sea, watching gliding albatrosses and porpoising fur seals.

New Zealand has a very rich and intriguing natural heritage which, when explored in the context of the beauty of the forests, mountains, coasts and wildlife, cannot help but captivate. The native birds, other wildlife and plants are diverse and unique, having evolved without the influence of land mammals since the island’s isolation from Gondwana. Many, though, have become extinct or threatened since the arrival of humans and their accompanying menagerie of animal and plant pests. However, these threats have strengthened the nation’s present-day commitment to conservation, deepening both the locals’ and visitors’ appreciation of this relatively clean, spacious country and its very special wildlife.

Our natural history journey begins in Auckland, an area characterised by water, volcanoes and islands. On the west coast we will watch Australasian Gannets soaring in towards their scattered rock outcrop colonies. Within a few hours’ drive we will be on the east coast, observing congregations of migratory and endemic birds feeding on the silt flats of Miranda. We will also enjoy a visit to picturesque Tiritiri Matangi Island, to enjoy the fullness of birdsong in regenerating forest, including that of such reintroduced rarities as the Saddleback, Stitchbird, Whitehead, Little-spotted Kiwi and Takahe.

The central plateau of the North Island will share geothermal secrets with us as we walk through a valley of boiling mud and water at Waimangu, and in a podocarp rainforest at Pureora. In the mist at the break of dawn we may be lucky to hear the haunting call of the endangered Kokako, and encounter a diversity of other birds, insects and plant species. Not far away is Tongariro, New Zealand’s first national park and a place of great spiritual significance to the indigenous Māori people. The park offers us a wonderful perspective of these volcanic landscapes, and the conservation issues that affect the area, as we walk amongst a subalpine flora and enjoy the spectacular mountain backdrop.

Kapiti Island lies off the west coast near Wellington, and is home to a wide range of endemic rarities. During one special night on the island we will seek out the endangered Little-spotted Kiwi, and look for the native owl, the Morepork (or Ruru), while enjoying further close encounters with Kaka and Weka.

On the way to the South Island, we may encounter species of albatross, shearwater and petrel, as well as dolphins, in Cook Strait. Then we will explore the waters of the Marlborough Sounds aboard a private charter vessel, before travelling further down the coast to Kaikoura, where snow-capped mountains reach to the sea. Here we will venture offshore once again, in search of Sperm Whales, Hector’s and Dusky Dolphins, and a fine selection of seabirds.

Our journey now takes us over the main divide via Arthur’s Pass, a route once used by the Māori people. We will then travel down the wild and wet west coast, beneath avenues of lush green rainforest, searching for the rare Westland Black Petrel and Fiordland Crested Penguin. The contrast of the west to the vast rolling Otago landscape of schist rock, tussock land and clear turquoise lakes, is striking. Next we will head for the heights and grandeur of Mount Cook National Park, and walk amongst alpine vegetation alive with clicking crickets as we search for the rare Black Stilt. Two nights on the almost pristine Stewart Island will allow us time to watch the Brown Kiwi in its natural environment, as well as the Kaka, Weka, Bellbird and parakeets. At sea fly a number of seabirds, including Shy Albatrosses and Fairy Prions, and in Paterson Inlet we may see shags, rare Yellow-eyed Penguins and dolphins. Back on the mainland, we will then be enticed by the glacially sculptured mountains and valleys of Fiordland National Park. The drive through to Milford Sound offers spectacular scenery as well as opportunities to seek out some unique endemic bird species, including the Yellowhead, Kea and Rock Wren; an optional boat cruise along the fiord, beneath its steep cliffs and waterfalls, is awe-inspiring.

Finally we arrive in Dunedin, the ‘wildlife capital’, where we will cruise around Taiaroa Head, the only mainland breeding site of the Northern Royal Albatross. With a wingspan of three metres, these seabirds are certainly impressive as they soar over cliffs dotted with nests of Spotted Shags and the rare Stewart Island Shags. Cruising on, past rocky shelves of lounging New Zealand Fur Seals, we will sail back down the harbour, towards the city. A magical way indeed to draw to a close our rich and diverse discovery of New Zealand’s wildlife treasures.