NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand's best.
New Zealand's 15 most popular wildlife tours, in one place. What each one is actually like, who runs it, and what you will pay.
Half-day Otago Peninsula wildlife tour with small groups, private viewing access at Cape Saunders and a penguin reserve near Dunedin.
“Excellent half day shore excursion from Dunedin to Cape Saunders Beautiful drive and scenery Saw seals sea lions penguins Ben was an awesome guide”
2-hour Milford Sound cruise with live nature guide commentary, waterfall spray close-up, and chances to spot seals, dolphins, penguins.
“It was real fun and breath taking experience, kissing the freezing waterfall was amazing, and Aiden, the irish commentator was very funny and enthusiastic”
Paddle Kaikoura Peninsula by sea kayak in a marine reserve. Small-group wildlife tour with fur seals, birds, and dolphin chances.
“We had perfect blue skies and calm water, so the morning was ideal! Our guide Brad was funny and knowledgeable and we just had a ball and learned so much about fur seals and the water!”
Kayak Kaikoura’s rugged coast for guaranteed seal viewing, with chances for dusky dolphins and blue penguins. Gear and guides included.
“Fantastic few hours out on the water. Guides were so lovely and knowledgeable.”
Six ziplines through Rotorua’s rare native forest, plus swing bridges and bird encounters, with conservation benefits and free photos.
“This was an amazing experience. I cannot recommend it highly enough! The guides were excellent and, as I was a very nervous first-timer, they took very good care of me. The safety and security of participants was top priority. The conservation information and work that they are doing was very useful and informative. I will…”
6-hour island-hopping catamaran in the Bay of Islands with snorkelling, paddleboarding, and a wildlife sanctuary stop with lunch included.
“A great leisurely day sailing/motoring across the bay of islands. We were lucky with the weather although more wind would have been better.”
See rare yellow-eyed penguins on Otago Peninsula on a 90-minute guided eco-reserve walk and rehab centre visit.
“Emma took us on the best trip at sunset. Everything was perfect. Agree was so enthusiastic and made sure we all had the very best time. Highly recommend”
1-hour Otago Peninsula wildlife cruise from Dunedin to spot royal albatross, dolphins, seals, and penguins with jackets, binoculars, and Wi‑Fi.
“Being on the sea and seeing albatross flying, taking off and landing around us was so exciting. Spotting a little blue penguin and some fur seals were additional highlights.”
A 2-hour small-group walk at Zealandia in Wellington to spot native birds and reptiles, with an expert guide and entry included.
“10 out of 10! Will definitely go again. The most amazing part for me was we all standing quiet and listened to birds chirping. Then our guide will tell us what kind of bird it is. Just so amazing! The view and walk are pleasant too.”
Small-group Port Chalmers wildlife cruise for albatross, fur seals and penguins around Otago Peninsula. Heated cabin, guide ID help.
“Fun boat ride with a very informed capable captain. Thank you for pointing out the wildlife and the historic features of the area.”
Small-group Marlborough Sounds cruise from Picton with a Motuara bird sanctuary walk, dolphin and seal sightings, and included drinks.
“Its a good experience like any other cruise. Alan and Bella are wonderful people to learn about marine wildlife.”
4.5-hour Bay of Islands cruise with Roberton Island walk, Hole in the Rock, snorkeling, and wildlife viewing on a small-group boat.
“one of the best excursions we’ve had in New Zealand!! Adam and Cass were excellent guides! Very informative, responsive to any needs and very informative”
Sail from Paihia to a wildlife sanctuary island for 2 hours of snorkel and SUP plus hiking, lunch, and drinks on a catamaran.
“Amazing day, very nice boat, nice crew and the sailing was very good. I highly recommend as I think it’s very good value”
Skip the line at Franz Josef Wildlife Centre to see Rowi kiwi, tuatara and glacier displays, with optional VIP backstage access.
“An excellent visit. Very interesting and informative with the chance to get up close to nature. It is well worth paying for the Backstage Pass - you get a a lot more detail and information plus a better understanding of the conservation work being undertaken. Thoroughly recommended.”
Join a small-group Zealandia night walk in Wellington: torches, guided exhibition, moa and eagle models, and a flashlight hunt for kiwi.
“Our tour was awesome and even more than we hoped for. Will loves his job and is very evident. We saw what we wanted- A kiwi! Actually, four! This was one of our highlighted activities in Wellington!”
