Top Australia & the Pacific Bird Watching in 2026

Get a close-up view of some of New Zealand’s most beautiful marine life on this half-day dolphin-watching tour from Tauranga. As well as graceful dolphins, you’re likely to spot penguins, seals, whales, sharks, orca, and maybe even turtles. This is an ideal family activity, as the boat is small and your tour personalized. Learn about the marine environment from the crew, and also enjoy views of Mt. Maunganui and Moturiki Island.

Maximize your chances of seeing humpback whales by joining this tour from Byron Bay, led by a marine biologist. Head for areas that the whales are known to pass through as they migrate in winter (June–November), watch them as they majestically breach, and listen to them sing by using an underwater hydrophone.

Go deep into Whirinaki Forest on a bird-watching tour that explores birding sites around the Bay of Plenty, including forests, wetlands, and shore sites. Using the provided binoculars and a spotting scope will maximize your odds of spotting some of New Zealand’s rare birds in their natural habitat, and with help from a conservationist guide, you'll have the chance to identify everything from miromiro (tomtits) to yellow-crowned kakariki (parakeets).

Mangrove Tunnels At Noosa Heads: The only kayak tour operating right at Noosa Heads, discover the secret waterways and local wildlife here in Noosa. Explore a globally recognised Noosa Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO site dedicated to conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable development. Paddle through a variety of ecosystems, including mangrove forests, salt marshes, and seagrass beds, each supporting a rich array of marine and plant life. Encounter an abundance of wildlife, rays, crabs, native bees, snakes and especially bird species such as the majestic Osprey, the colourful Rainbow Bee-eater, and the elusive Mangrove Kingfisher.

With over 100 species of birds recorded from the region, you can be assured of seeing a good variety of our unique birdlife. Some of the other fauna you might see are Eastern Grey Kangaroos, and possibly the beautiful little Swamp Wallaby or even an echidna. (But bear in mind there are no guarantees when it comes to nature!) These small group tours (maximum of 4 guests) ensure everyone gets personal attention, so come and enjoy a pleasant outing with like-minded nature lovers. And because the tour ends early in the morning, you'll have the rest of the day to enjoy our wonderful city!

Expert-guided small-group (max 4 guests) Blue Mountains birdwatching adventure searching for iconic Australian species such as the Superb Lyrebird, Laughing Kookaburra, Australian King Parrot, Satin Bowerbird and Gang-gang Cockatoo. Enjoy wild kangaroo sightings, great local coffee, bakery treats and spectacular mountain scenery while visiting locations off the usual tourist trail.

Enjoy a relaxing day cruising 34 miles down Western Australia’s Ord River, through the Kimberley wilderness, and then back again. Starting in the late morning, the cruise starts off gently, so keep an eye out for birds and crocodiles. The last few miles follow swifter water down narrow canyons before reaching the dramatic Ord River Dam. A chilled out way of seeing the beautiful landscape.

Soar through a 1,000-year-old native New Zealand forest on six ziplines reaching speeds up to 37 miles (60 kilometers) per hour. Cross suspended swing bridges and explore treetop platforms while looking out for native birds such as toutouwai and kererū. This half-day guided eco-adventure includes free digital photos, wet-weather gear, and return transport, with every booking supporting forest restoration. Suitable for families and groups of all ages.

Explore beyond the glacier at Franz Josef with a scenic cruise on Lake Mapourika. See the snow-capped mountains reflected in the lake on a calm, clear day, as you cruise across the lake to a hidden nature trail through the ancient, untouched rainforest. Visit a kiwi sanctuary and look out for other birds along the way.

Get active in beautiful surroundings while developing your skills on this basic-to-intermediate stand-up paddleboarding lesson and guided tour. Learn all you need to know to paddle safely, then cruise the warm, clear waters of Double Island lagoons. Spot turtles, dolphins, rays, fish, crabs, and birds along the way. Cap off your experience with a 4-wheel drive beach adventure.

Active travelers won’t want to miss the chance to kayak through one of New Zealand’s most beautiful national parks. Starting from Marahau, paddle along the coast of the Abel Tasman National Park. Look out for seals, listen to native birdsong, and enjoy a refreshing swim at a golden-sand beach during your lunch stop. If there’s a breeze, save your energy on the return trip by hoisting a sail and gliding.

The Kiwi Night Encounter offers one of the best chances in New Zealand to see kiwi up close, an experience many describe as a must-do in New Zealand. Your evening begins in the visitor centre, where experienced guides introduce you to kiwi and the conservation work behind their protection. You’ll then be guided to a purpose-built habitat designed to support natural kiwi behaviour while allowing for quiet, respectful observation. As darkness falls, a resident pair of North Island brown kiwi emerge to forage — probing the ground, moving through the undergrowth, and displaying their natural nocturnal behaviours. Small group sizes ensure a calm, low-impact environment throughout the experience. While kiwi are the focus, Ruru (morepork) are often seen and heard overhead and may be observed flying through the habitat as they feed — offering a glimpse into the wider nocturnal ecosystem. Ngā Manu is a working conservation reserve, and all encounters are shaped around the wellbeing of animals.

Whether you just have a couple of hours to spare or want to spend the whole day kayaking, this rental service is ideal. Pick up your double kayak in Marahau, at the entrance to the Abel Tasman National Park. Explore the coastline at your own pace, without a guide telling you want to do or a group to keep up with.

Embark on a memorable four-hour adventure to Tiritiri Matangi Island, where snorkeling and island exploration combine to create an immersive experience. This tour is perfect for adventure seekers and families with children who want to dive into the island’s crystal-clear waters and explore its rich marine life. You'll also discover a wildlife sanctuary home to rare and endangered bird species as you wander through native forests and enjoy breathtaking coastal views. With insider knowledge from expert guides, you'll gain a deeper understanding of New Zealand's natural wonders and cultural heritage, making this tour an unforgettable journey for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Note: Ferry bookings and fees not included. *your guide will meet you on the Island at the Wharf, please ensure you have booked your ferry tickets prior to the day of the tour*

Experience the beauty of Brisbane on this full-day wildlife and wilderness coastal tour. Offering visitors the chance to come face to face with kangaroos, birds, and even a shipwreck, this private tour is a great way to get out of the city and discover the beauty of Brisbane’s northern coastline. You’ll also visit the Osprey House Environmental Centre and swing by Scarborough boat harbor for lunch (at own cost).

Enjoy a cruise through Tikapa Moana, the Hauraki Gulf, and discover the Rotoroa Island sanctuary. This pretty little island is a perfect escape from the city for the day or longer. Explore the island on foot via established walking tracks across open fields, native bush and sandy shorelines. Take your chance at spotting iconic native species free ranging across the island including kiwi, takahē and tīeke. Rotoroa Island has been predator free since 2014 and is now home to a number of native birds and wildlife free ranging across the island. Discover the unique history of the island through the award-winning museum exhibition and heritage buildings or enjoy the sheltered sandy bays and clear waters for relaxing, swimming and snorkeling. Facilities on the island include a gift shop, freshwater drinking fountain, toilets and electric barbeques.

See nocturnal wildlife in its native habitat on this small-group nighttime guided walk around Cape Tribulation. In the company of scientist guides, venture into old growth tropical rainforest, following trails only your group has access to, and learn all about the plants and animals that make this World Heritage-listed ecosystem their home.

Take a water taxi from Picton to Kaipupu Sanctuary, a peaceful predator-free island. Enjoy a 2.8km loop track through native bush, perfect for a leisurely walk and spotting native birds in their natural habitat.

Walk, cruise and relax on this 3 Day/2 Night journey into Abel Tasman National Park. No need to give up modern comforts. Stay at our Beachfront Eco-Lodges, Torrent Bay Lodge and Meadowbank Homestead at Awaroa, with ensuite rooms, hot showers and delicious meals cooked for you. Lodge bag transferred by boat, you just walk with a day pack. And boat back up means walking can be shorted any day in needed or simply cruise between our beachfront lodges. We take care of the details, so you get to escape from stress, revive your senses and reconnect with what’s important to you. Discover how life just seems better here.

Daintree National Park encompasses a World Heritage listed ecosystem that is both fantastical and mysterious. This old growth rainforest is a place where plants and animals predate the dinosaurs, kangaroos live in trees, and birds grow bigger than humans. Explore the area with a local Wet Tropics accredited biological scientist who will tell its story with wit, humor, and scientific understanding. Our company has 23 years experience in guiding visitors from around the world, so language differences are never an issue.

Home to some of the most amazing birds in the world—that you might not be able to see elsewhere—along with incredible scenery and beautiful wildflowers, the Pilbara is a great place for beginner and experienced bird watchers alike. This gentle birdwatching walk in Roebourne gives you the chance to see them in the wild and learn more from your enthusiastic guide, who will lead you on a private adventure through the bush, showcasing some of the region’s incredible birdlife.

A 4-hour guided hike in the heart of a forest sanctuary far from Tahiti's classic tourist routes Winner of the Tahiti Sustainable Tourism Award 2024 Recognized by the UN in its ecosystem restoration program (2021 - 2030) The only ecotourism experience in Tahiti recognized by the United Nations Network member – Botanic Gardens Conservation International Largest global network dedicated to plant conservation 40 minutes from Papeete, AOA Polynesian Forests opens the doors of a private estate of 230 hectares. Guided by passionate naturalists, you explore a forest under restoration, populated by endemic and native species found nowhere else. Bamboo forest, big banyan, medicinal plants, birds, crystal river: every visit is an authentic immersion in Tahiti's natural heritage. Guided hike, each activity contributes directly to the restoration of Polynesian biodiversity

Leave busy Brisbane for a small-group full-day tour that showcases the natural beauty of North Stradbroke Island. Swim in the surf or freshwater lakes, take a short guided hike, view whales and other marine animals from the beach and coastal lookouts, visit small towns including historic Amity Point, and go in search of the island’s population of wild kangaroos and koalas.