New Zealand

Look for Takahē, Kōkako, and Kiwis on New Zealand's North and South Islands!

Embark on the ultimate birdwatching adventure in New Zealand, where lush landscapes and diverse ecosystems offer an unparalleled opportunity to witness some of the world’s most extraordinary bird species. This 11-day tour takes you from the North to the South Island, exploring wildlife sanctuaries, ancient forests, coastal mudflats, and predator-free islands. You’ll encounter rare and endemic birds such as the Takahē, North Island Kōkako, Kiwi, Yellow-eyed Penguin, and Southern Brown Kiwi, while also experiencing the natural beauty of New Zealand’s stunning scenery. From the thriving birdlife on Tiritiri Matangi Island to the remote, untouched paradise of Ulva Island, every day promises exciting birdwatching and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher or simply seeking a connection with nature, this adventure will immerse you in the unique ecosystems and rich biodiversity of one of the world’s premier birding destinations. Prepare for an unforgettable journey!

Coming soon

/ person sharing

single supp. US$ 1,199

  • 26 Oct - 4 Nov 2026
  • 11 days
  • 6 to 10
  • AKL
  • IVC
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Included
  • 10 hotel nights.
  • All meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 11.
  • All in-country ground transport.
  • All guiding fees for tour leaders and local guides.
  • All entrance fees to sites mentioned in the itinerary.
  • All activities as described in the itinerary.
  • Global Rescue Membership*
Excluded
  • International flights (to AKL and from IVC).
  • Domestic flight (IVC to AKL).
  • Taxi from airport to hotel on arrival day.
  • Alcoholic drinks.
  • Personal purchases such as (but not limited to) laundry, room service, phone calls, souvenirs, etc.
  • Insurance. We strongly recommend participants get travel, cancelation, and medical insurance in their home country.
  • Any tips you would like to offer tour leaders, guides, drivers, porters, wait staff, housekeeping, etc. for outstanding service.
  • Any other items not explicitly included.

Itinerary

Please note that while the general itinerary is set, hotels and daily activities may slightly differ depending on circumstances.

  • Day 1 ⎸ 26 October 2026: Arrival in Auckland

    When you arrive in Auckland, please take a taxi to your hotel, which is near the airport. In the evening, you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner and meet your fellow travelers and guide, who will go over the plans for your upcoming New Zealand birding adventure.

  • Day 2 ⎸ 27 October 2026: TiriTiri Island

    Today’s day trip to TiriTiri Matangi Island, a renowned wildlife sanctuary and New Zealand's most important and exciting conservation project, will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of your trip. The island is home to notable bird species, such as the large, swamphen-like Takahē, the North Island Kōkako, North Island Saddleback, and Northern Brown Kiwi. As you explore TiriTiri, you'll look for Little Blue Penguin, New Zealand Bellbird, Whitehead, Red-crowned Parakeet, Fernbird, Brown Teal, the near-extinct Stitchbird, and with much luck Rifleman. After this exhilarating first day of birding, we’ll drive to Miranda for the night.

  • Day 3 ⎸ 28 October 2026: Miranda Mudflats

    The Miranda mudflats are home to thousands of migratory waders and local resident birds, in particular the Wrybill. There is also a good chance to spot rarities such as the Hudsonian Godwit, which has been around this area in the last few years. After a bird-filled morning, we’ll head to Taupo to search for New Zealand Grebe and Scaup, as well as the New Zealand Falcon.

  • Day 4 ⎸ 29 October 2026: Pureora Forest

    An early start gets us to Pureora Forest, an ancient wonderland of towering trees, clear rivers, and rare birds. Keep an eye out for Kaka, Yellow-crowned Parakeet, Tomtit, New Zealand Falcon, New Zealand Bellbird, New Zealand Fantail, Long-tailed Cuckoo, and Whitehead. You’ll also have the thrill of searching for the rare Rifleman. Your day will culminate in Turangi, where you might spot the elusive Blue Duck and the New Zealand Falcon.

  • Day 5 ⎸ 30 October 2026: Turangi and Ferry to South Island

    You will spend the morning in Turangi, catching any bird species you may have missed before heading to Wellington. During the scenic ferry ride to Picton on the South Island in the afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to spot seabirds like albatrosses, shearwaters, Fairy Prion, Common Diving-Petrel, White-fronted Tern, Red-billed Gull, Spotted Shag, and more gliding alongside the boat.

  • Day 6 ⎸ 31 October 2026: Marlborough Sounds

    You’ll set off on a boat trip through the stunning Marlborough Sounds, an awe-inspiring collection of ancient sunken river valleys filled with waters of the Pacific Ocean. As you navigate the calm, inshore waters towards Blumine Island, keep an eye out for the majestic King Shag and the vibrant Orange-fronted Parakeet. With much luck, you may also see South Island Saddleback, South Island Robin, and Hectors Dolphin. After lunch back in Picton we drive to Kaikoura.

  • Day 7 ⎸ 1 November 2026: Kaikoura Pelagic and Twizel

    This morning you’ll get to experience the famous Kaikoura pelagic. A short, 15-minute boat ride takes you out to the pelagic shelf where you’ll observe an array of pelagic birds, including the impressive Northern and Southern Royal Albatross, Antipodean, Black-browed and Salvin’s Albatross, Northern and Southern Giant Petrel, Westland, White-chinned, and Cape Petrel, Hutton’s and Buller’s Shearwaters, White-fronted Tern, Red-billed Gull, and more. Enjoy close encounters that provide fantastic photographic opportunities. After lunch back on shore, you travel to Twizel, where you’ll search for the critically endangered Black Stilt, which was brought back from the brink of extinction through a captive breeding program. New Zealand’s tallest peak, Mount Cook, forms the stunning backdrop for today’s birding excursions.

  • Day 8 ⎸ 2 November 2026: Otago Shag and Yellow-eyed Penguin

    You’ll leave the New Zealand Alps in the rearview mirror, and venture to the beautiful east coast. Here, you’ll encounter two trip highlights: the charming Yellow-eyed Penguin and the rare Otago Shag. Yellow-eyed Penguin numbers have dropped by 75% since the mid-1990s on the South Island, but today, you’ll get to visit a small colony of these enchanting birds. We’ll also explore the rocky coastlines in search of South Island Pied Oystercatcher and Otag Shag.

  • Day 9 ⎸ 3 November 2026: Dunedin, the Catlins, and Stewart Island

    You’ll start the day at the Northern Royal Albatross colony in Dunedin, then go look for the rare Foveaux Shag nearby. Afterwards, you’ll travel to the leafy hills of the Catlins, where the land rises steeply from the coast to the inland ranges, and where rivers and waterfalls abound. Along the way to the Bluff at Invercargill on the south coast, we'll be picking up any forest birds we still need. Upon reaching the Bluff, you’ll take the ferry to Stewart Island. This hilly and densely populated island knows almost no introduced predators—and over 80% of the island is set aside as National Park—-making it a safe haven for flightless birds. Tonight, you’ll look for Southern Brown Kiwi here!

  • Day 10 ⎸ 4 November: Ulva Island

    Today, you're in for an unforgettable experience on Ulva Island, a short boat ride from Stewart Island. Ulva Island is a pristine, predator-free sanctuary that remains virtually unaltered by human activity. Its lush, temperate rainforest is home to many rare plants and birds, including healthy populations of Southern Brown Kiwi, South Island Saddleback, and Yellowhead. You’ll also look for Weka, Kaka, Red- and Yellow-crowned Parakeet, Brown Creeper, and with a little luck, you may even spot a Fiordland Penguin in this untouched paradise.

  • Day 11 ⎸ 5 November: Departure from Invercargill

    You’ll enjoy your last moments birding on Stewart Island before taking the ferry back to the Bluff. You’ll then travel on to Invercargill, where you can catch your flight back to Auckland (not including, and currently approximately US$200, please consult with us before booking onward travel) and begin your journey home, filled with incredible memories and a deeper understanding of New Zealand's unique birdlife.

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