NEW ZEALAND · WILDLIFE
A South Island fortnight has room for only so much. These 15 wildlife tours earn their slot, each with its price, its rating and the detail that decides it.
Explore Otago Peninsula wildlife with Clearwater Wildlife Tours, including seals, sea lions, birds, and a chance to see rare yellow-eyed penguins.
“Excellent half day shore excursion from Dunedin to Cape Saunders Beautiful drive and scenery Saw seals sea lions penguins Ben was an awesome guide”
Review of RealNZ’s 2-hour Milford Sound cruise, with waterfall views, wildlife, expert commentary, vessel tips, prices, and practical advice.
“We toured Milford Sound onboard the Milford Haven. The boat was great with lots of space indoors and outdoors. Drinks and food onboard was at a reasonable price. The cruise of the Sound was one of our highlights of our New Zealand trip. Gorgeous scenery everywhere and we were blessed with great weather.”
Paddle Kaikoura’s marine reserve with seals, seabirds, and possible dolphins, guided by local experts on a scenic three-hour sea kayak tour.
“Was a great trip with a helpful, friendly, and enthusiastic guide (thanks Charli!). We were lucky enough to see dolphins and a baby seal swimming.”
Paddle Kaikoura’s coast beside fur seals, with mountain views and chances for dolphins and penguins on this friendly 3-hour kayak tour.
“Absolutely fabulous morning with the lovely and knowledgable Cam who ensured we were comfortable the whole way Not only did we see dolphins and seals but we were never rushed and given plenty of time to soak up the beauty of this place”
Review the Rotorua Canopy Tours zipline adventure, with six ziplines, swing bridges, native birds, forest views, and conservation value.
“Sam and Steph were our guides and they were fantastic! We brought our young kids with us (8 and 10) and they were so good with them, they really made the effort to make everyone feel comfortable and safe. Once we got up into the canopy everything was explained very clearly and off we went! It was the best time and the view was absolutely beautiful! I was worried about our 8 year old but Sam and Steph were masters at putting them at ease. Would love to do this again some day.”
Review of Barefoot Sailing Adventures’ six-hour Bay of Islands cruise, with sailing, wildlife sanctuary walks, snorkeling, lunch, and practical tips.
“A fantastic relaxing day in the company of like minded people. Luke & Michelle were very engaging and looked after us well. A tasty lunch was provided. The weather was perfect and the walk on the island was worth it for the beautiful scenery.”
Explore Dunedin’s private penguin reserve with a guided walk, rehabilitation visit, and chances to see seals, sea lions, and seabirds.
“I enjoyed this tour - althouh we saw Little Blue Penguins we missed the Yellow-Eyed Penguins in the wild but had great views of the two in rehab! Guide was very friendly and knowledgeable.”
Review of Monarch’s Otago Peninsula wildlife cruise, with albatross, seals, penguins, dolphins, practical tips, pricing, and weather advice.
“Beautiful drive along the coast to reach the boat. The staff were friendly and very helpful and the captain was very knowledgeable. It was cold and raining a little, but the jackets the supply were really warm.”
Explore Zealandia in Wellington on a two-hour small-group walk with expert guides, native birds, tuatara, and practical conservation insight.
“Great for discovering the native birds of NZ . I would recommend taking the guided tour unless you are a twitcher as I wouldn’t have known what to listen to ! We saw and learnt a lot from our guide and you can go back the next day too on your ticket and visit by yourself without the guide . We went on the 10.00 tour going up the cable car wasn’t a problem but the free shuttle busses don’t start until 9.50 ( which is the meeting time for the tour ) but if you walk down the road, to the bus stop there were plenty of buses which…”
See albatross, seals, penguins, and sea birds on a small-group Otago Harbour cruise from Port Chalmers with expert commentary.
“Rachel was a brilliant host on this trip and really knew all about the local wildlife and where to find it. She was also very skilful handling the boat.”
Cruise Queen Charlotte Sound, spot dolphins and seals, and walk Motuara Island sanctuary on a guided half-day tour from Picton.
“Highly recommend this trip. The staff were very friendly and knowledgeable. They knew where the best viewing sites were and we were able to see all the wildlife that we expected, which was amazing to see. The hot drink and wine offered on the way back was an added bonus.”
Review the Bay of Islands Cruise and Island Tour for wildlife, Roberton Island, snorkeling, the Hole in the Rock, price, and practical tips.
“Very professional, on-time yet personable and friendly tour operator. A very pleasant tour, great local knowledge and genuine passion for their location.”
Review of Barefoot Sailing Adventures in the Bay of Islands, with catamaran sailing, wildlife, island walks, water sports, lunch, and practical tips.
“Very enjoyable and informative trip, and the simple picnic lunch was delicious. I was on my own and felt that I was given just the right balance of care and respect for solitude. It was great we could stop to watch some penguins swimming on the way, and I enjoyed my turn at the tiller.”
Review of Dunedin’s small-group wildlife cruise, with albatross, seals, penguins, harbour history, practical tips, and honest value advice.
“Tour guide was so knowledgeable. We really learned a lot about albatross (we saw four varieties). We also saw seals and a sea lion. Tour guide was expert at knowing what areas to go and spot the wildlife.”
Review of Dunedin’s small-group city, wildlife and Larnach Castle tour, with practical advice on price, wildlife sightings, timing and value.
“Seeing the scenery on the Ottago peninsula, stopping at the railway station historic building and visiting Larnach Castle were really different and all interesting.”
Sorted by what you actually want to do that morning.
