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Location Highlights
- Tiritiri Matangi Island – an ecological sanctuary harbouring key endemics
- Kapiti Island – a small but precious refuge for numerous New Zealand endemics
- Marlborough Sounds – spectacular fjords and myriad wildlife-watching opportunities
- Kaikoura – a world-renowned spot for seabirds and whale-watching
- Lake Ohau – a serene lake surrounded by stunning mountains
- Stewart Island – a thickly forested island home to the enigmatic Stewart Island Kiwi
- Fjordland National Park - awe-inspiring scenery and secluded spots
Tailormade New Zealand
Tailormade | Tour Code: TNZLFor a relatively small nation, New Zealand boasts extraordinary landscapes and unique wildlife. Its remote location in the South Pacific has strongly influenced its geology, ecology, and cultural heritage. All these characters are intertwined, making any visit to New Zealand an all-encompassing and unforgettable one. From dramatic volcanic peaks and glacier-carved fjords to secluded coastal bays and hard-to-reach islands, New Zealand rarely fails to impress.
When to Visit
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SAMPLE HOLIDAY: Best of New Zealand’s Birds
19 days from £5,995 (Flight Inclusive)
Spanning both main islands, with visits to two of the most accessible smaller islands, this self-drive itinerary covers some of the best birding spots New Zealand has to offer.
Location Highlights
- Tiritiri Matangi Island – an ecological sanctuary harbouring key endemics
- Kapiti Island – a small but precious refuge for numerous New Zealand endemics
- Marlborough Sounds – spectacular fjords and myriad wildlife-watching opportunities
- Kaikoura – a world-renowned spot for seabirds and whale-watching
- Lake Ohau – a serene lake surrounded by stunning mountains
- Stewart Island – a thickly forested island home to the enigmatic Stewart Island Kiwi
- Fjordland National Park - awe-inspiring scenery and secluded spots
Summary
Tucked away in the southern Pacific, New Zealand is characterised by its juxtaposing scenery; from the green and rolling hills of the North Island to the imposing peaks of the Southern Alps; from turbulent coastlines and bubbling geothermal pools to majestic fjords and mossy, ancient forests. Endemic wildlife contrasts with more cosmopolitan species, and protected island reserves support important species such as the Little Spotted Kiwi, Brown Kiwi, Kaka, Stitchbird and Takahe, as well as unique reptiles including Tuatara and Duvaucel’s Gecko. In the coastal waters, New Zealand Sea Lions and Fur Seals, and several species of penguin, dolphin and whale can often delight during pelagic excursions. The Cook Strait, Kaikoura and Fjordland National Park offer easily accessible wildlife-watching opportunities. Further off the beaten track and scattered off the southern tip of New Zealand, the Subantarctic Islands are home to impressive numbers of breeding seabirds including Southern Royal Albatross, Royal and King Penguins, as well as thousands of petrels, shearwaters and cormorants.
Our Destinations
Meaning ‘looking to the wind’, this 22-hectare Scientific Reserve lies just north-east of Auckland, at the entrance to the Hauraki Gulf. Concerted habitat restoration in the 1980s, as well as the eradication of Pacific Rats and Possums, have led to the island sanctuary becoming world renowned for its successful conservation of native wildlife. Well-maintained walking trails and guided tours make this wonderful island easy to access for all. Amongst eye-catching crimson-flowered Pohutukawa and glossy-leaved Kohekohe trees, listen out for Korimako (Bellbird), North Island Kokako, Tieke (Saddleback), Riroriro (Grey Warbler) and the melodic calls of Tui. Smaller songbirds such as Rifleman and North Island Robin will reward the keen-eyed; likewise, in wetland areas, the secretive Puweto (Spotless Crake) may be seen. Endemic reptiles, including Moko Skink and Duvaucel’s Gecko, are now found across the island.
Lying 5 kilometres off the North Island’s west coast near Wellington, Kapiti Island Nature Reserve may only be 10 kilometres long, but it is a precious refuge for New Zealand endemics including the endangered Little-spotted Kiwi (now extinct on the mainland), as well as the native owl, or Morepork (Ruru), Kakariki and Saddleback. The rare Stitchbird (Hihi) is a key target for birders visiting Kapiti and there are walking trails with feeders offering chances to see them up close. Blue Penguins nest here, and Kapiti is a stronghold for the endangered Takahe and North Island Kaka. Visits to the island must be authorised and numbers are limited, but there are opportunities for nocturnal tours and exclusive overnight stays.
Nestled between the North and South Island, Marlborough Sounds captivates with its breathtaking natural beauty. A symphony of rugged coastlines, emerald hills, and serene azure waters, Marlborough Sounds is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and seekers of tranquillity. Lush forests stretch to the water's edge, while secluded bays and coves invite exploration by kayak or sailboat. The Queen Charlotte Track meanders along the coastline, offering exhilarating hikes and sweeping vistas. Rich marine and birdlife thrive in this coastal haven. Pods of playful dolphins dance through the cerulean waters, while inquisitive seals bask on rocky outcrops. Weka, Fernbird, Sacred Kingfisher and Tui are just a few of the numerous birds to be seen here.
If there is one name that comes up with any mention of whale-watching in New Zealand, it will surely be Kaikoura. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the towering Seaward Kaikoura Range, the 2-kilometre-deep Kaikoura Canyon close to shore creates an incredibly rich feeding hotspot for marine wildlife. Whilst the warmer months bring Blue Whales and Orca, the cooler months are a good time to spot Humpbacks and Pilot Whales, and Sperm Whales can be seen year-round. Acrobatic Dusky Dolphins are frequently seen from Kaikoura. A huge diversity of birdlife also depends on the waters here, and there are various opportunities for guided boat trips to see numerous species of albatross, shearwater, petrel, penguin, tern and prion, to name a few.
Amidst the dramatic alpine landscape of the Mackenzie Basin, the glassy waters of Lake Ohau mirror the towering peaks of the Ben Ohau Range, creating a picturesque vista. Among the diverse fauna here, the endemic New Zealand Falcon and Black Stilt are notable highlights, as are native waterfowl such as Paradise Shelduck, New Zealand Scaup and the rare Brown Teal. The New Zealand Rock Wren, an endearing South Island endemic, may also be spotted here. Lake Ohau falls within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, recognised for its clear and unpolluted night skies, making this a fantastic spot for stargazing.
Known among the Māori as the ‘Land of the Glowing Skies’, this thickly forested island gives the alluring sense of being untamed. Despite a history of human habitation going back several centuries, Stewart Island is a wildlife haven, home to the elusive and enigmatic Stewart Island Kiwi. Inquisitive Hector’s Dolphins patrol the inshore waters and rare Yellow-eyed Penguins breed on the secluded beaches. Whilst wandering the scenic trails, look out for charismatic South Island Saddlebacks and Kaka, a forest parrot, and immerse yourself in the melodious song of the Bellbird.
With immense jagged peaks furnished with untouched forests, cascading waterfalls and serene sapphire waters, the south-western end of the South Island is an ancient and iconic landscape. The high rainfall here, combined with the hard granitic geology and deeply carved fjords, creates an unusual ecology, with normally deep-water Black Corals found in the shallows, observable from the Underwater Observatory at Piopiotahi Marine Reserve. A boat trip through the fjords enables close-up views of Sea Lions lazing on the rocky shorelines and Bottlenose and Dusky Dolphins which visit these sheltered waters from the Tasman Sea. Birdlife can be abundant but tricky to see, from Fjordland Crested Penguins on inaccessible islets to forest species such as Bellbird, Tui, New Zealand Pigeon, Rifleman and Tomtit.
Sample Itineraries
Spanning both main islands, with visits to two of the most accessible smaller islands, this self-drive itinerary covers some of the best birding spots New Zealand has to offer.
A wonderfully varied self-drive itinerary, incorporating some of the most iconic parts of the country, as well as those further off the beaten track.
The Essentials
- Wildlife Guides: We work with an excellent selection of local naturalist guides who may accompany you throughout your holiday. Self-drive offers a more cost-effective option, and we can arrange for you to meet up with local specialists at appropriate intervals to maximise your wildlife experience.
- When to Visit: Alpine areas are only accessible from spring to early autumn, so the austral winter is best avoided. The oceanic climate means weather can be variable. The wettest period on the North Island is June to August, whilst on the South Island, September to November is generally the wettest. For marine mammals, virtually any month can bring success, whilst for vibrant botanical displays and nesting seabirds, September to December is the best time to visit.
J F M A M J J A S O N D YY YY Y Y Y YY YY YY Y Y YY YY - Getting Around: New Zealand’s main island attractions are easily accessed by road, but there are more adventurous options for keen hikers as well as numerous exciting boat trips. Visits to Tiritiri Matangi or Kapiti Island can comfortably be incorporated into most itineraries, and Stewart Island entices many further south. For longer itineraries, a voyage to the Subantarctic Islands is an exciting prospect, especially for birders.
Why Naturetrek Tailormade?
'A Naturetrek Tailormade holiday allows you, with the benefit of our wildlife travel expertise and destination experience, to enjoy the perfect private wildlife holiday – one that truly matches your requirements, expectations and ambitions. We will ensure the most competitive prices, superb naturalist guides and seamless ground services.
Some of the benefits of Naturetrek Tailormade travel include:
• A bespoke itinerary which is crafted by experts and designed specifically for you
• Private guiding by the very best local naturalists
• Travel with people you know, at your own pace
• Incorporate as much culture, history or relaxation time as you wish
• Choose dates to suit you
• Select your preferred style of accommodation
• Travel with families and children of any age
Furthermore, our Tailormade team are always on hand to help and guide you along the way, with friendly advice, first-hand knowledge and inside information specific to your destination of choice. So if you have any queries about your holiday, we will be delighted to answer them. Please just give us a call!'
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