Wildlife & Natural Wonders - Top 10 Recommendations
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Natural spectacles and unique wildlife encounters are two of New Zealand's biggest draw-cards. There are few places in the world where, within the space of one day, you can experience mountain vistas, ancient forests, volcanic landscapes and stunning coastline - all whilst spotting New Zealand wildlife found nowhere else on earth. Following are some of what you can expect to see when you visit .
Penguins
Of New Zealand's species, the korora, or little blue penguin, is the world’s smallest penguin. You’ll find these little birds, usually when they come ashore at night, in the Marlborough Sounds, Akaroa Harbour, Oamaru, Dunedin and Stewart Island.
The rare hoiho, or yellow-eyed penguin, is distinguished by its vivid yellow eye band. You’ll find them on the Otago Peninsula, just south of Dunedin and round the Catlins region. Dunedin is where you can find some of the best wildlife tours, giving you an incredible close up view of the penguins, sea lions and fur seals in their natural habitat.
And last, but not least, there’s the Fiordland Crested Penguin (Tawaki). One of the world’s rarest, this beautiful bird lives in the South Island and is found in rainforested areas of Haast, Lake Moeraki, Stewart Island and Fiordland.
Of New Zealand's species, the korora, or little blue penguin, is the world’s smallest penguin. You’ll find these little birds, usually when they come ashore at night, in the Marlborough Sounds, Akaroa Harbour, Oamaru, Dunedin and Stewart Island.
The rare hoiho, or yellow-eyed penguin, is distinguished by its vivid yellow eye band. You’ll find them on the Otago Peninsula, just south of Dunedin and round the Catlins region. Dunedin is where you can find some of the best wildlife tours, giving you an incredible close up view of the penguins, sea lions and fur seals in their natural habitat.
And last, but not least, there’s the Fiordland Crested Penguin (Tawaki). One of the world’s rarest, this beautiful bird lives in the South Island and is found in rainforested areas of Haast, Lake Moeraki, Stewart Island and Fiordland.
Fur Seals & Dolphins ~ Swim With Ecnounter
In amongst the varied and vibrant sea life found off Kaikoura is the spectacular dusky dolphin, found in pods of up to several hundred strong and one of the most delightfully exuberant characters of the Southern Ocean. Dolphin Encounter operates tours by boat up to three times per day for swimming with or watching these magnificent dolphins.
Lonely Planet's 'Top Choice' for Kaikoura activities, swimming with playful NZ Fur Seals in the shallow waters of the beautiful Kaikoura Peninsula truly is a unique experience.
Listed as one of the world's 'Top 10 Best Marine Encounters' in 'The World's 1000 Ultimate Adventure's Publication'.
Be sure to add it to you must do list.
In amongst the varied and vibrant sea life found off Kaikoura is the spectacular dusky dolphin, found in pods of up to several hundred strong and one of the most delightfully exuberant characters of the Southern Ocean. Dolphin Encounter operates tours by boat up to three times per day for swimming with or watching these magnificent dolphins.
Lonely Planet's 'Top Choice' for Kaikoura activities, swimming with playful NZ Fur Seals in the shallow waters of the beautiful Kaikoura Peninsula truly is a unique experience.
Listed as one of the world's 'Top 10 Best Marine Encounters' in 'The World's 1000 Ultimate Adventure's Publication'.
Be sure to add it to you must do list.
Whale Watch
Still in Kaikoura, on the east coast of the South Island, is one of the only places in the world where you can easily see sperm whales.Sperm whales, the largest of the toothed whales, grow to over 15 metres in length. They dive deep into the ocean to feed. The resident population of sperm whales at Kaikoura can be seen all year round. Orca (killer whales) may be seen from December to March, and humpback whales in June and July. Several dolphin species are seen almost daily in the area.
Whales thrive close to Kaikoura because of its unusual submarine landscape. The continental shelf drops quickly into a number of extremely deep underwater canyons. In addition, a warm current from the north meets a colder one from the south. This causes nutrients from deep within the ocean to be carried upward, a phenomenon that helps to support all types of marine life from plankton and krill to dolphins and whales.
Still in Kaikoura, on the east coast of the South Island, is one of the only places in the world where you can easily see sperm whales.Sperm whales, the largest of the toothed whales, grow to over 15 metres in length. They dive deep into the ocean to feed. The resident population of sperm whales at Kaikoura can be seen all year round. Orca (killer whales) may be seen from December to March, and humpback whales in June and July. Several dolphin species are seen almost daily in the area.
Whales thrive close to Kaikoura because of its unusual submarine landscape. The continental shelf drops quickly into a number of extremely deep underwater canyons. In addition, a warm current from the north meets a colder one from the south. This causes nutrients from deep within the ocean to be carried upward, a phenomenon that helps to support all types of marine life from plankton and krill to dolphins and whales.
Te Waikoropupu Springs
Te Waikoropupū Springs (known as Pupū Springs), discharge 14,000 litres of water per second. The springs are the largest freshwater springs in New Zealand, the largest cold water springs in the Southern Hemisphere and contain some of the clearest water ever measured.
The qualities of the water from Te Waikoropupū Springs are of considerable scientific interest. In 1993, The National Institute for Water and Atmosphere (NIWA) carried out optical measurements under water and found that the visibility was 63 metres.
This is very close to optically pure water, with clearer water found only beneath Antarctica’s near-frozen Weddell Sea. The water clarity is a result of natural filtering prior to the water’s emergence at Te Waikoropupū Springs.
Te Waikoropupū Springs (known as Pupū Springs), discharge 14,000 litres of water per second. The springs are the largest freshwater springs in New Zealand, the largest cold water springs in the Southern Hemisphere and contain some of the clearest water ever measured.
The qualities of the water from Te Waikoropupū Springs are of considerable scientific interest. In 1993, The National Institute for Water and Atmosphere (NIWA) carried out optical measurements under water and found that the visibility was 63 metres.
This is very close to optically pure water, with clearer water found only beneath Antarctica’s near-frozen Weddell Sea. The water clarity is a result of natural filtering prior to the water’s emergence at Te Waikoropupū Springs.
Bird Watching
Wander into one of our native forests and you'll hear it ringing with birdsong. The warbling tui, the flittering piwakawaka (fantail) and the large and lumbering kereru (native wood pigeon) are ones to look out for.
There are several predator free bird sanctuaries to visit as you make your way through the country - from Auckland to Stewart Island. Some highlights to include in your itinerary are a visit to -
Tiritiri Matangi (Hauraki Gulf)
This small island, served by ferry from Auckland, is a bird sanctuary open to the public. Some of the rarest flightless birds in the world live here, thanks to the absence of predators. Daytrips and tours are plentiful and allow the visitor to see many species including takahe, saddlebacks, kokako, teals, stitch birds and Northern Blue penguins.
Whataroa White Heron Sanctuary Tour (West Coast South Island)
The tour consists of a short minibus ride to connect with our jet-boat for a gentle 20 minute scenic cruise into the Waitangi-roto Nature Reserve (the only access to this area is by boat). In the reserve we disembark from the boat for a short walk through ancient Kahikatea rainforest to our purpose built viewing hide to observe the magnificent White Heron (Kotuku) in their natural nesting environment. The Royal Spoonbill (Kotuku Ngutu Papa) and the Little Shag (Kawapaka) also share this special area and all can easily be seen from the hide. The White Heron only use this area for breeding so can be seen in the reserve over the spring and summer months, usually mid-September until early March.
Royal Albatross Breeding Sanctuary
A visit to Dunedin is not complete without taking in the outstanding natural beauty and wildlife of the Otago Peninsula and the Royal Albatross Centre. Visit the world’s only mainland breeding colony of Royal Albatross, the historic Fort Taiaroa and see the Little Blue Penguin colony at Pilots Beach. People come from all over the world to enjoy the spectacular views on the Otago Peninsula, The Wildlife Capital of New Zealand. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to see the world’s only mainland breeding colony of Royal Albatross.
Wander into one of our native forests and you'll hear it ringing with birdsong. The warbling tui, the flittering piwakawaka (fantail) and the large and lumbering kereru (native wood pigeon) are ones to look out for.
There are several predator free bird sanctuaries to visit as you make your way through the country - from Auckland to Stewart Island. Some highlights to include in your itinerary are a visit to -
Tiritiri Matangi (Hauraki Gulf)
This small island, served by ferry from Auckland, is a bird sanctuary open to the public. Some of the rarest flightless birds in the world live here, thanks to the absence of predators. Daytrips and tours are plentiful and allow the visitor to see many species including takahe, saddlebacks, kokako, teals, stitch birds and Northern Blue penguins.
Whataroa White Heron Sanctuary Tour (West Coast South Island)
The tour consists of a short minibus ride to connect with our jet-boat for a gentle 20 minute scenic cruise into the Waitangi-roto Nature Reserve (the only access to this area is by boat). In the reserve we disembark from the boat for a short walk through ancient Kahikatea rainforest to our purpose built viewing hide to observe the magnificent White Heron (Kotuku) in their natural nesting environment. The Royal Spoonbill (Kotuku Ngutu Papa) and the Little Shag (Kawapaka) also share this special area and all can easily be seen from the hide. The White Heron only use this area for breeding so can be seen in the reserve over the spring and summer months, usually mid-September until early March.
Royal Albatross Breeding Sanctuary
A visit to Dunedin is not complete without taking in the outstanding natural beauty and wildlife of the Otago Peninsula and the Royal Albatross Centre. Visit the world’s only mainland breeding colony of Royal Albatross, the historic Fort Taiaroa and see the Little Blue Penguin colony at Pilots Beach. People come from all over the world to enjoy the spectacular views on the Otago Peninsula, The Wildlife Capital of New Zealand. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to see the world’s only mainland breeding colony of Royal Albatross.
Forests
Waipoua Forest (Northland)
Of all New Zealand’s kauri forests, none is more famous than Waipoua Forest on the west coast, just north of Dargaville. As the largest remaining tract of native forest in Northland, Waipoua is an ancient green world of towering trees and rare birds. The highway through the forest is memorable for the natural gateways created by huge kauri trees and the fringing of colourful ferns along the road's edge.
This forest is the home of Tane Mahuta, the country's largest kauri tree, which is approximately 2,000 years old and still growing. Nearly 18 metres to the first branch and 4.4 metres in diameter, Tane Mahuta is rightly called 'The Lord of the Forest'.
Redwood Forest ~ Canopy Walk (Rotorua)
Officially opened on 19 December 2015 by local iwi elders, the Treewalk continues to attract visitors to the Redwood Forest who want to experience the spiritually of the forest and the 115-year-old giants in their natural surroundings. The 30-minute walk provides a journey behind the history of the 115-year-old Redwood Forest, the local people (iwi) and the land (whenua) allowing visitors time to appreciate the peaceful and breath-taking surroundings that re-energise and inspire the body and soul. This is a one of a kind eco-tourism walk that provides a unique experience for visitors to Rotorua. It offers an accessible, low-level adrenaline experience for all ages that captures the beauty and spirit of this famous forest.
Waipoua Forest (Northland)
Of all New Zealand’s kauri forests, none is more famous than Waipoua Forest on the west coast, just north of Dargaville. As the largest remaining tract of native forest in Northland, Waipoua is an ancient green world of towering trees and rare birds. The highway through the forest is memorable for the natural gateways created by huge kauri trees and the fringing of colourful ferns along the road's edge.
This forest is the home of Tane Mahuta, the country's largest kauri tree, which is approximately 2,000 years old and still growing. Nearly 18 metres to the first branch and 4.4 metres in diameter, Tane Mahuta is rightly called 'The Lord of the Forest'.
Redwood Forest ~ Canopy Walk (Rotorua)
Officially opened on 19 December 2015 by local iwi elders, the Treewalk continues to attract visitors to the Redwood Forest who want to experience the spiritually of the forest and the 115-year-old giants in their natural surroundings. The 30-minute walk provides a journey behind the history of the 115-year-old Redwood Forest, the local people (iwi) and the land (whenua) allowing visitors time to appreciate the peaceful and breath-taking surroundings that re-energise and inspire the body and soul. This is a one of a kind eco-tourism walk that provides a unique experience for visitors to Rotorua. It offers an accessible, low-level adrenaline experience for all ages that captures the beauty and spirit of this famous forest.
Geothermal
The faint scent of sulphur in the air and escaping curls of steam are the first hints of the region's dramatic geothermal character when entering Rotorua. Rotorua is part of the Volcanic Zone, a geothermal field extending from White Island off the Bay of Plenty coast to Mount Ruapehu in the central North Island.
Brilliant colours are a feature of Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland's Artist's Palette and Champagne Pool. Lady Knox Geyser erupts every day high into the air.
Visit the amazing Waimangu Volcanic Valley, which is the youngest geothermal eco-system in the world with the largest hot water spring - 3.8 hectares - called Frying Pan Lakes. It was formed during the eruptionof Mount Tarawera in 1886.
Watch the famed Pohutu Geyser, the undisputed star of the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley, erupt up to 20 times a day to heights of 30 metres at Te Puia is New Zealand's most active geothermal reserve with the largest hot waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere and the only geothermal mud baths in New Zealand.
At Whakarewarewa - The Living Thermal Village, the people have been hosting and welcoming visitors into their homes and backyards since the early 1800s, demonstrating the utilisation of the natural geothermal wonders for cooking, bathing and everyday living.
The faint scent of sulphur in the air and escaping curls of steam are the first hints of the region's dramatic geothermal character when entering Rotorua. Rotorua is part of the Volcanic Zone, a geothermal field extending from White Island off the Bay of Plenty coast to Mount Ruapehu in the central North Island.
Brilliant colours are a feature of Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland's Artist's Palette and Champagne Pool. Lady Knox Geyser erupts every day high into the air.
Visit the amazing Waimangu Volcanic Valley, which is the youngest geothermal eco-system in the world with the largest hot water spring - 3.8 hectares - called Frying Pan Lakes. It was formed during the eruptionof Mount Tarawera in 1886.
Watch the famed Pohutu Geyser, the undisputed star of the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley, erupt up to 20 times a day to heights of 30 metres at Te Puia is New Zealand's most active geothermal reserve with the largest hot waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere and the only geothermal mud baths in New Zealand.
At Whakarewarewa - The Living Thermal Village, the people have been hosting and welcoming visitors into their homes and backyards since the early 1800s, demonstrating the utilisation of the natural geothermal wonders for cooking, bathing and everyday living.
Volcanic
Tongariro National Park
The rugged, unusual landscape attracts adventurers of every kind. Don't miss these activities in Ruapehu. Often called the best one-day walk in New Zealand, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a strenuous 17 kilometre hike past Mount Ngauruhoe and over Mount Tongariro. The lunar-like landscape features active volcanic areas, emerald crater lakes and panoramic views.
White Island
Take a scenic flight to White Island (New Zealand's only active marine volcano) or over the gaping red crater of Mount Tarawera (now dormant).
Mt Taranaki / Egmont National Park
Mt Taranaki – in Egmont National Park - is New Zealand’s most perfectly formed volcano. It last erupted in 1775, and volcanologists consider that the mountain is dormant rather than extinct. Apart from one small bump - a subsidiary vent called Fantham's Peak - the mountain's cone is symmetrical.
Egmont National Park has 13 entrances making it one of New Zealand's most accessible wilderness areas. The park lures visitors who appreciate geological phenomena and, for botanists, a progression of plantlife from surf to summit that begins with lowland rainforest of ancient native trees and completes with sub-alpine shrubs and herb fields. The 'Goblin Forest', on the middle slopes, takes its name from the gnarled shape of the trees and the thick swathes of trailing moss.
Tongariro National Park
The rugged, unusual landscape attracts adventurers of every kind. Don't miss these activities in Ruapehu. Often called the best one-day walk in New Zealand, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a strenuous 17 kilometre hike past Mount Ngauruhoe and over Mount Tongariro. The lunar-like landscape features active volcanic areas, emerald crater lakes and panoramic views.
White Island
Take a scenic flight to White Island (New Zealand's only active marine volcano) or over the gaping red crater of Mount Tarawera (now dormant).
Mt Taranaki / Egmont National Park
Mt Taranaki – in Egmont National Park - is New Zealand’s most perfectly formed volcano. It last erupted in 1775, and volcanologists consider that the mountain is dormant rather than extinct. Apart from one small bump - a subsidiary vent called Fantham's Peak - the mountain's cone is symmetrical.
Egmont National Park has 13 entrances making it one of New Zealand's most accessible wilderness areas. The park lures visitors who appreciate geological phenomena and, for botanists, a progression of plantlife from surf to summit that begins with lowland rainforest of ancient native trees and completes with sub-alpine shrubs and herb fields. The 'Goblin Forest', on the middle slopes, takes its name from the gnarled shape of the trees and the thick swathes of trailing moss.
Glow Worm Caves
Waitomo Caves (North Island)
World-renowned and a magnet for both local and overseas visitors, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves occupy a high placing in the New Zealand vacation wish-list.
The glowworm, Arachnocampa luminosa, is unique to New Zealand. Thousands of these tiny creatures radiate their unmistakable luminescent light as our expert guides provide informative commentary on the Caves' historical and geological significance. Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a must see for any traveller.
Marvel at Mother Nature's light display as you glide silently through the starry wonderland of the Glowworm Grotto. Meander underground along the Waitomo River and gaze in silence at the myriad of glow worm lights that make up the Glowworm Grotto. As you enter this galaxy of tiny living lights, you'll immediately experience a serene ambience and be fascinated and intrigued by tiny glowworms that light your way.
Te Anau (South Island)
Your trip to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves begins with a cruise to the western shores of Lake Te Anau on one of our purpose-built scenic cruise vessels.
At the entry to the caves at Cavern House, view the informative displays and learn about this geological wonder before you join your guide underground. On the tour of the caves, our friendly guides will point out the highlights and share their knowledge of the caves and its history. This underground world is astonishingly beautiful. By geological standards the caves are very young (12,000 years) and are still being carved out by the force of the river that flows through them. The result is a twisting network of limestone passages filled with sculpted rock, whirlpools and a roaring underground waterfall.
Deep inside the caves, beyond the roar of the water, you will be taken by small boat into a silent hidden grotto inhabited by thousands of glowworms, unique to New Zealand. In the subterranean darkness, they produce a glittering display that is nothing short of extraordinary.
Waitomo Caves (North Island)
World-renowned and a magnet for both local and overseas visitors, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves occupy a high placing in the New Zealand vacation wish-list.
The glowworm, Arachnocampa luminosa, is unique to New Zealand. Thousands of these tiny creatures radiate their unmistakable luminescent light as our expert guides provide informative commentary on the Caves' historical and geological significance. Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a must see for any traveller.
Marvel at Mother Nature's light display as you glide silently through the starry wonderland of the Glowworm Grotto. Meander underground along the Waitomo River and gaze in silence at the myriad of glow worm lights that make up the Glowworm Grotto. As you enter this galaxy of tiny living lights, you'll immediately experience a serene ambience and be fascinated and intrigued by tiny glowworms that light your way.
Te Anau (South Island)
Your trip to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves begins with a cruise to the western shores of Lake Te Anau on one of our purpose-built scenic cruise vessels.
At the entry to the caves at Cavern House, view the informative displays and learn about this geological wonder before you join your guide underground. On the tour of the caves, our friendly guides will point out the highlights and share their knowledge of the caves and its history. This underground world is astonishingly beautiful. By geological standards the caves are very young (12,000 years) and are still being carved out by the force of the river that flows through them. The result is a twisting network of limestone passages filled with sculpted rock, whirlpools and a roaring underground waterfall.
Deep inside the caves, beyond the roar of the water, you will be taken by small boat into a silent hidden grotto inhabited by thousands of glowworms, unique to New Zealand. In the subterranean darkness, they produce a glittering display that is nothing short of extraordinary.
Ancient Rock Formations
Moeraki Boulders
Some 60 million years ago, the concretions we know as the Moeraki boulders started forming on the ocean floor. Centuries of coastline erosion have revealed a spectacular view of these curiously large spherical boulders.
Maori legend refers to the Moeraki Boulders as the wreckage from a large Waka (sailing canoe) ?raiteuru. The boulders are said to be the fishing nets and calabashes that were washed ashore and then turned into stone.
The larger Moeraki Boulders are as big as 3 metres in diameter and weigh several tones whilst the smaller boulders can resemble an over inflated football.
Punakaiki Rocks
Dolomite Point and its Pancake Rocks are predominantly limestone, worn and sculptured by the weather and sea, leaving unique stacks resembling pancakes layered on top of each other. The sealed track is very well maintained and is suitable, with some assistance, for wheelchairs. The Department of Conservation has installed information boards at locations of interest along the track. At the coastline the track has many lookouts and areas for fantastic photos to be taken of the Pancake Rocks, blowholes and beautiful views of the coast and mountains. The blowholes, the main attraction of the walkway, are active at high tide – check in at the i-SITE Visitors Centre for times. When a heavy sea swell is running, saltwater is pushed at great force through holes in the limestone rock, exiting as a fine spray mist many meters above sealevel. The blowholes at full blast are an amazing sight. Allow approximately 45 minutes to explore and take photographs.
Moeraki Boulders
Some 60 million years ago, the concretions we know as the Moeraki boulders started forming on the ocean floor. Centuries of coastline erosion have revealed a spectacular view of these curiously large spherical boulders.
Maori legend refers to the Moeraki Boulders as the wreckage from a large Waka (sailing canoe) ?raiteuru. The boulders are said to be the fishing nets and calabashes that were washed ashore and then turned into stone.
The larger Moeraki Boulders are as big as 3 metres in diameter and weigh several tones whilst the smaller boulders can resemble an over inflated football.
Punakaiki Rocks
Dolomite Point and its Pancake Rocks are predominantly limestone, worn and sculptured by the weather and sea, leaving unique stacks resembling pancakes layered on top of each other. The sealed track is very well maintained and is suitable, with some assistance, for wheelchairs. The Department of Conservation has installed information boards at locations of interest along the track. At the coastline the track has many lookouts and areas for fantastic photos to be taken of the Pancake Rocks, blowholes and beautiful views of the coast and mountains. The blowholes, the main attraction of the walkway, are active at high tide – check in at the i-SITE Visitors Centre for times. When a heavy sea swell is running, saltwater is pushed at great force through holes in the limestone rock, exiting as a fine spray mist many meters above sealevel. The blowholes at full blast are an amazing sight. Allow approximately 45 minutes to explore and take photographs.