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Discover the nature of New Zealand, a country of lush valleys, soaring peaks, white beaches, and turquoise lakes. Scenery is a true highlight of this tour; however New Zealand’s wildlife is sure to inspire both nature enthusiasts and birders alike. The conservation story and determination of New Zealanders to protect their heritage is inspiring.
Enjoy delightful lodgings and delicious dining options as we explore both the North and South Islands. Immerse yourself in steamy rainforests, embark on boat and ferry trips teeming with seabirds and marine life, hike in awe-inspiring mountain settings, and sense the great spiritual significance of the Maori people. It’s a magical trip in many ways, a blend of scenic beauty our everyday backdrop to finding endemic birds, including some of the flightless kiwis. For many it will be a first trip to the Oceania ecoregion and the first time to explore the micro-continent of Zealandia.
We’ve carefully crafted a thorough trip to the North and South Islands to cover a good majority of species. Our pre-trip extension to the Hauraki Gulf gives you the opportunity to see incredibly rare Fairy Tern and the New Zealand Storm-Petrel (an extinct bird rediscovered in 2003) with a dynamic pelagic trip—highly recommended!
Tour Highlights
- Search for the rare and only recently rediscovered New Zealand Storm-Petrel, along with other northern pelagic species in the outer Hauraki Gulf (pre-tour extension)
- Visit Tiritiri Matangi Island in search of rare species like the Saddleback, Stitchbird, Whitehead, and Red-crowned Parakeet
- Discover Miranda Wildlife Sanctuary, home to excellent active shell chenier plains and plentiful sea and shorebirds
- Experience the haunting call of the endangered Kokako in the misty rainforest of the central North Island
- Embark on a three-hour ferry crossing to the South Island?not nearly long enough for all the wildlife watching from the deck!
- Cruise the Marlborough Sounds, listening for Orange-fronted Parakeet and watching for Hector’s Dolphin
- Discover Kaikoura and enjoy an unrivalled seabird excursion this morning. On a free afternoon; stroll the peninsula, take a whale watching trip, or browse shops
- Walk amongst the spectacular landscapes of Arthur’s Pass National Park.
- Take a charming cruise around Taiaroa Head, the only mainland breeding site of Northern Royal Albatross
- Explore Steward Island and search for Brown Kiwi in their natural habitat
Trip Itinerary
Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary may occur to account for weather, road conditions, closures, etc. and to maximize your experience.
Tues., Oct. 8 Main Tour Begins – Welcome to Auckland!
Meet your Naturalist Journeys’ and our local partner company’s guide for lunch in central Auckland. Please take a taxi from the airport; they are readily available for the ride into the central city. After a lunch meet-up hosted by Naturalist Journeys, we head out for a sample adventure—if you are just arriving and tired from travel you can opt out as needed, but it is a beautiful place to start!
Auckland is an area characterized by water, volcanoes, and islands. We escape from the bustle of the city to enjoy a gentle introduction to the West Coast, and to watch Australasian Gannet soaring in towards their dotted rock outcrop colonies.
Stay at the Grand Millennium Hotel for two nights (L,D)
Wed., Oct. 9 Tiritiri Matangi Island | Auckland
Tiritiri Matangi is an island sanctuary in the Hauraki Gulf, just north of Auckland. Many of New Zealand’s rare and endangered species now only remain on islands such as this, as the habitat can be protected from the ravages of rats, possums, and stoats. Tiritiri Matangi is the site of an ambitious restoration project started 17 years ago, and already the fruits of many people’s efforts are being appreciated by many. We have a day on this picturesque island to enjoy birdsong in regenerating forest, including that of re-introduced rare species such as the Saddleback, Stitchbird, Whitehead, and Red-crowned Parakeet. Also on the island are the unique Takahe and Brown Teal.
Sailing by ferry to the island Australasian Gannet, Black Petrel, Cook’s Petrel, and Buller’s Shearwater may pass us.
Dinner tonight is at leisure, and there are multiple places to choose from in walking distance from the hotel.
Return to the Grand Millennium Hotel (B,L)
Thurs., Oct. 10 Depart Auckland | Miranda Wildlife Sanctuary (Shorebirds Galore!)
Within an hour’s drive southeast of Auckland lies Miranda Wildlife Sanctuary, a fine feeding ground for many wading birds, which migrate from the tundra of the arctic regions for the northern winter. Among the thousands of Eastern Bar-tailed Godwits on the shell banks or silt flats, we may view many Knots and South Island Pied Oystercatchers, the rare endemic Wrybill, the endangered NZ Dotterel, Far Eastern Curlew, Whimbrel, several Sandpipers, Caspian Tern, Little Tern, and Sacred Kingfisher.
Later this morning, we travel towards Lake Rotorua, where NZ Dabchick, NZ Scaup, and Little Black Shag are often feeding or roosting. Rotorua is situated in the central plateau of the North Island, a region of much geothermal activity.
Stay Lakeland Resort, Taupo tonight. (B,L,D)
Fri., Oct. 11 Pureora Forest Park | Tongariro National Park
This morning we have a dawn start, to experience the haunting call of the endangered Kokako in its natural, misty rainforest environment. Pureora Forest Park contains one of the finest areas of podocarp forest in the country, as well as a large variety of native invertebrates, like the curious Peripatus, and numerous birds. We will have most of today to gain more insight into the nature and conservation of this special forest, and to enjoy the sounds of the Kaka, Yellow-crowned Parakeet, Tomtit, New Zealand Robin, Long-tailed Cuckoo, New Zealand Falcon, Whitehead, and Grey Warbler.
Later, our day winds up in Tongariro National Park. On the rivers running off the volcanoes a small number of the endangered Whio, or Blue Duck survive. Today we shall also make a special trip to search for these birds.
Accommodations at Skotel, Whakapapa one night (B,L,D)
Sat., Oct. 12 Mt. Ruapehu, North Island | Ferry Crossing to South Island
Morning walk amongst sub-alpine forest and tussocklands on the slopes of Mt. Ruapehu, the North Island’s highest peak. A longer day today as we travel to Wellington and cross to the South Island. En route to Wellington we shall deviate to the Foxton Estuary with opportunities for Pacific Golden Plover, and Royal Spoonbill.
Our journey continues southwards through to Wellington, where we embark on an evening ferry crossing to the South Island. Three hours, however, is at times not enough for all the wildlife watching to be done! Wandering and Shy Albatrosses often pass by, as do Giant Petrels, Arctic Skuas, and many shearwaters. Towards the entrance to the Marlborough Sounds can often be seen Little Blue Penguins, Spotted Shags, and sometimes dolphins.
Purchase dinner tonight as we go as we are on inter-island ferry.
Accommodations at the Picton Beachcomber Hotel, Picton (B,L)
Sun., Oct. 13 Marlborough Sounds Boat Cruise
The waters and inlets of the Marlborough Sounds will be our playground this morning. The cruise vessel carries us through Queen Charlotte Sound to a small rocky islet, where a small colony of the rare King Shag breeds and roosts. There may also be an opportunity to listen for the endangered orange fronted parakeet on one of the sound’s predator free islands. Before returning to Picton, we land to introduce ourselves to the curious Weka.
Mid-afternoon sees us heading south down the east coast to Kaikoura, where we stay for two nights.
Accommodations at White Morph Inn, Kaikoura (B,L,D)
Mon., Oct. 14 Kaikoura Seabird Cruise
Kaikoura is a breath-taking place where snow-iced mountains reach down to a turquoise sea. The continental shelf drops abruptly very close to shore, resulting in upwellings of nutrients from the sea’s depths, attracting a rich and abundant marine life. An excellent opportunity for bird lovers and generalists alike is a seabird excursion, where one can see flocks of cawing albatrosses (4-5 species), and numerous petrels and shearwaters, just meters from the boat.
In the afternoon we are at leisure to stroll on Kaikoura Peninsula, or you may opt to go out for a second pelagic or join a whale watching excursion for Sperm Whales.
Accommodations at White Morph Inn, Kaikoura — Lunch and Dinner are at leisure in this delightful town (B)
Tues., Oct. 15 Canterbury Plains | Southern Alps
Depart Kaikoura and travel south to cross the Canterbury Plains. Now one of New Zealand's most intensive agricultural regions the plains run down from the foothills to the central Southern Alps. Nestled between two passes, Porter’s and Arthur’s, lies the Craigieburn Range and the renowned Castle Hill Basin. We walk amidst the limestone formations that make up this basin. Later our destination is the Arthur’s Pass Wilderness Lodge, set amidst a delightful mix of high-country beech forest and tussocklands, and a working sheep farm.
Accommodations at Arthur’s Pass Wilderness Lodge (B,L,D)
Wed., Oct. 16 Arthur’s Pass Wilderness Lodge | Mountains & Lakes
We enjoy a day amidst the Mountain Beech Forests and braided rivers of the upper Waimakariri Valley. The Moa Forest discovery morning involves no driving from the Lodge for those who want a “no driving” morning. A relaxed and fascinating discovery of a “micro world” of riverbed, rock bluff, shrubland, beech forest plants and animals.
Lunch in the Mt Rolleston Restaurant. An afternoon guided excursion is available for this wishing to explore further the mountains and lakes near the lodge.
Accommodations at Arthur’s Pass Wilderness Lodge (B,L,D)
Thurs., Oct. 17 Lake Tekapo | Mount Cook National Park | Mackenzie Country
Cross back onto the Canterbury Plains and head south over Burkes Pass. As we wind across the foothills, with snow-capped mountains in the background, we overlook the vivid turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and other large glacial lakes. There is time for birding the area, or for those wishing to take an optional flight over Mount Cook National Park (additional cost), flying over the highest peaks and glaciers of the Southern Alps, before continuing to Mackenzie Country Hotel.
Accommodations at the Mackenzie Country Hotel, Twizel (B,L,D)
Fri., Oct. 18 Braided Rivers | Mount Cook National Park
The braided rivers in this region are the habitat of the endangered Black Stilt, and we look also for Banded Dotterel and a range of inland waterfowl. Later today we travel up the Aoraki (Mount Cook National Park). Walk amidst the alpine splendor, search for the rare New Zealand Falcon, and take further opportunities to look for Black Stilt and Wrybill Plover on their breeding grounds.
Accommodations at the Mackenzie Country Hotel, Twizel (B,L,D)
Sat., Oct. 19 Central Otago | Ferry to Stewart Island | Brown Kiwi Outing
This morning we depart the arid Mackenzie Country for Invercargill. Late this afternoon we take the ferry across to Stewart Island, watching for seabirds as we go. Settle into our lodgings and do some local birding. Dinner is at the lodge. Plan on an evening trip to view Stewart Island Brown Kiwi on one of our two evenings here.
Accommodations at Kaka Retreat next two nights (B,L,D)
Sun., Oct. 20 Paterson Inlet | South Pacific Seabirds
A day marine charter to Paterson Inlet and into the South Pacific invigorates us with opportunities to observe a rich diversity of seabirds. Among the bays of the inlet we scan for two very rare penguin species: the Yellow-eyed Penguin and the Fiordland Crested Penguin. Out at sea we may encounter several species of albatross, including Shy, Black-browed and Buller’s, and the Southern Giant Petrel, Southern Great Skua, and Broad-billed Prion. We are also likely to come across large flocks of Sooty Shearwater, which breed nearby on the small outer islands. A treat awaits us on Ulva Island, a bird sanctuary rich in lush podocarp forest, and ringing with the songs of the Kaka, Tui, Bellbird, and the rare Red-crowned Parakeet. The Stewart Island Weka is also a popular resident.
Accommodations at Kaka Retreat (B,L,D)
Mon., Oct. 21 Fiordland National Park
Back on the mainland, we are enticed by the glacially sculptured mountains and valleys of Fiordland National Park. We enjoy the afternoon in the wonderful beech forests of the Eglinton Valley. This forest is home to Longtailed Cuckoo, Yellow-crowned Parakeet, Brown Creeper, and Mohua/Yellowhead and provides an excellent opportunity for final views of New Zealand forest birds. Today is a full field day with picnic or local lunch.
Dinner and checklist tally tonight are at our hotel.
Accommodations at the Distinction Luxmore Hotel, Te Anau (B,L,D)
Tues., Oct. 22 Milford Sound
After breakfast at the hotel, we head out for a day excursion to Milford Sound. A drive to the Hollyford Valley delights us with mountain scenery. In this valley we seek out some endemic species, including the ubiquitous and cheeky Kea, and the elusive Rock Wren. We have lunch along the way.
Mid-afternoon we hope for good weather and a tour highlight—a grand finale cruise on famous Milford Sound.
We then return for dinner and our checklist tally
Accommodations at the Distinction Luxmore Hotel, Te Anau (B,L,D)
Wed., Oct. 23 Southeastern Coast | Dunedin | Harbor Cruise
Cross the southern South Island , arriving in Dunedin, New Zealand’s “wildlife capital”, in the early afternoon. A charming harbor cruise will take us around Taiaroa Head, the only mainland breeding site of Northern Royal Albatross. With a wingspan of three meters, these seabirds are certainly impressive, soaring over cliffs dotted with nests of Spotted Shags and the rare Stewart Island Shags. Past rocky shelves of lounging fur seals we will sail, on our way back down the harbor towards the central city. Indeed, a magical wildlife experience, drawing to a close our rich and diverse discovery of New Zealand’s native treasures.
Accommodations in the Heritage Leisure Lodge, Dunedin. (B,L,D)
Thurs., Oct. 24 Departures
While you can depart today at leisure, we suggest you book flights out in the afternoon, so we have a morning backup if weather precludes our harbor cruise the afternoon prior. This is up to you, but if it works for your outbound route, we suggest flights out after 3PM. We will make every effort to cruise the final afternoon, this morning is a weather backup. (B)
Pre-Tour Extension
Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary may occur to account for weather, road conditions, closures, etc. and to maximize your experience.
Sat., Oct. 5 : Early Arrivals
Welcome to New Zealand! Our extension starts tomorrow, but you should plan to arrive today. We can help you arrange this early night’s hotel (additional cost) in Auckland, and meals are on your own, though we will send you a schedule of who else in the group is arriving today and you can plan to meet casually as a group for meals if you wish. Please plan to take a taxi from the airport to the hotel.
Sun., Oct. 6: Welcome to New Zealand
Our pre-tour extension officially starts today at breakfast at the Grand Millennium Hotel. We meet with our with our local guide and travel north to the Tawharanui area and search for New Zealand Dotterel and other local species.
Accommodations at Matakana (L,D)
Mon., Oct. 7 : Hauraki Gulf
Today we take a half-day charter into the Hauraki Gulf. New Zealand stands out as having some of the greatest diversity of seabirds and marine mammals in the entire world. There are several species we may encounter that are less likely or unlikely elsewhere on the tour, including Little, Fluttering, and Buller’s Shearwaters, Parkinson’s (Black), Grayfaced, and Cook’s Petrels (and more rarely Pycroft’s and Black-winged), and White-faced Storm-Petrel. But what makes this trip of particular interest is the possibility of encountering the endangered New Zealand Storm-Petrel. Sightings often include interesting cetaceans as well, with several dolphin species and Bryde’s Whales being highlights.
An intriguing Kiwi search this evening is included.
Accommodations at Matakana (B,L,D)
Tues., Oct. 8 : Return to Auckland
We return to Auckland today to meet up with the main tour group. (B)
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Australian Gannets
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Aoraki by Greg Smith
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Red-crowned Parakeet by Greg Smith
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Marlborough Sounds by Greg Smith
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Blue Duck by Greg Smith
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Fantail by Greg Smith
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Tui by Greg Smith
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Spanish Grass by Greg Smith
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White-capped Albatross by Greg Smith
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Group Near Mount Cook by Carlos Sanchez
Cost of the Journey
The cost of the main tour is $TBD DBL / $TBD SGL, from Auckland, New Zealand, based on double occupancy. Cost of the pre-tour extension is $TBD DBL / $TBD SGL. All pricing is calculated on the exchange rate on XE.com as of November 2022. If a significant shift in this rate occurs, we will need to adjust tour pricing accordingly, up to the time that final payment is made.
The tour and extension costs include: all accommodations, most meals as specified in the itinerary (B=breakfast, L=Lunch, D= dinner), professional guide services, ferry and boat day-tour fees, park and program entrance fees and miscellaneous program expenses.
Tour does not include: transportation from your home city to Auckland or from Dunedin back to your home city. It does not include arrival or departure airport transfers, optional activities such as horseback riding, scenic viewing plane rides, or fishing with a guide, or items of a personal nature such as laundry, luggage porterage, telephone charges, maid gratuities, or beverages from the bar.
Travel Details
Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed.
Arrival airport is Auckland International (AKL), departure airport is Dunedin Airport (DUD). Please arrive by the morning of October 8 in time for a group lunch.
If you plan on joining us for the pre-trip extension, please plan to arrive at your leisure and at your own cost on October 5 to be ready to meet up with the group for breakfast on October 6.
For either the main tour or the extension, we recommend coming in a day or two early to adjust to the time change and be well rested for the start of the tour. We recommend the Grand Millennium Hotel in Auckland, where we stay on the first night of our tour, for your early nights as it's in a great downtown location. We can help you book this—please let us know. Please plan to take a taxi or Super Shuttle from the airport to your hotel. Please be sure to let us know where you are staying before the start of the tour when you send us your flight details. Please plan flights out of Dunedin at your leisure on October 24 after 3:00 PM. We have a travel agent ready to help you book these flights. Please let us know if you would like us to connect you. We will pay her ticketing fee.
Browse below for trip reports and species lists from past versions of this and other tours from this destination.
New Zealand
- November 2010
- January 2016
- January 2018
- January 2019
- October 2022
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James Petersen
James grew up in New Jersey and started birding at a young age. He continued that passion by getting an undergraduate degree in Wildlife Ecology from the University of Maine. Since then, he has worked and birded extensively across the United States, including conducting point counts and banding ducks in Maine; identifying and counting waterfowl in Nebraska; counting migrating raptors in Texas, Arizona and Wyoming; and surveying for Northern Goshawks in northern California. The past three springs he has been a bird guide in the Chiricahua mountains in southeast Arizona, and he enjoys sharing his passion for birds with others. His favorite bird is the Red-headed Woodpecker.
Other trips with James Petersen
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Arizona: Sunshine & SaguarosJanuary 10 - 15, 2024 -
South Texas Birding & NatureJanuary 26 - February 3, 2024 -
South Texas Birding & NatureMarch 12 - 20, 2024 -
Trinidad & Tobago: Incredible Birds & WildlifeJune 20 - 29, 2024 -
Maine Northwoods RetreatJuly 10 - 16, 2024 -
Arizona Monsoon Madness Birding & Nature in a Season of Wonder!August 1 - 8, 2024 -
Arizona Monsoon Madness Birding & Nature in a Season of Wonder!August 11 - 18, 2024 -
Arizona Monsoon Madness Birding & Nature in a Season of Wonder!August 25 - September 1, 2024
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Essential Information +
Pace & Protocols +
Packing List +
Suggested Reading List +
Useful Links +
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Papua New Guinea: Bucket List BirdingJune 25 - July 8, 2024, w/North Queensland extension -
Australia: Queensland’s Wet Tropics July 7 - 16, 2024 -
Grand Australia Darwin, Perth & TasmaniaSeptember 11 - October 3, 2024, w/Kangaroo Island: Rare Mammals & Birds extension
Photo credits: Banner: Mount Cook National Park, Greg Smith; Red-crowned Parakeet, Greg Smith; Lake Ohau, Greg Smith; Arthur's Pass, Peg Abbott; Salvin's Shy Albatross, Mark Hanger; Orakei Korako near Rotarua, Mark Hanger; Kea, Peg Abbott; Kiwi Crossing Sign near Arthur's Pass, Peg Abbott; Tui, Peg Abbot; Wild Spaniard Alpine in Mount Cook National Park, Mark Hanger; Hikers, Peg Abbott; Australasian Gannet, Greg Smith; Kaka, Greg Smith; Aoraki, Greg Smith; Red-crowned Parakeet, Greg Smith; Australasian Gannets, Greg Smith; Marlborough Sound, Greg Smith; Blue Duck, Greg Smith; Fantail, Greg Smith; Tui, Greg Smith; Spanish Grass, Greg Smith; White-capped Albatross, Greg Smith.