Top New Zealand Bird Watching in 2026

Time your visit to the Otago Peninsula so you can see hundreds of little blue penguins returning home to roost after a day at sea. The 90-minute evening tour begins with a walk through the penguin reserve, where you’ll learn about the penguins and their environment. Then, watch them waddle up the beach from your hidden spot. This is a must-do tour for nature and bird enthusiasts.

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.

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 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.

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.

Cruise Auckland's Hauraki Gulf Marine Park on a 4.5-hour eco safari to spot whales, dolphins, seals, and rare seabirds. Enjoy expert commentary and close encounters with diverse marine wildlife in stunning island scenery, departing from downtown Auckland's Viaduct Harbour.

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.

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.

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*

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.

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.

Explore Paihia’s wild side on this family-owned and operated sightseeing cruise to (hopefully) spot some marine life. Just sit back, relax, and let your captain do the work of taking you to some of the best spots on the water. A portion of every ticket goes straight to marine mammal conservation and a local children’s marine education program.

Experience the Hauraki Gulf in a way few visitors ever do. Combining sea kayaking, wildlife encounters, and a guided night walk on predator-free Motuora Island, this unforgettable adventure takes you beyond the crowds and into the heart of New Zealand's natural world. Paddle across sheltered coastal waters at sunset, explore a thriving wildlife sanctuary, and search for the iconic kiwi under the cover of darkness. Along the way, you may encounter dolphins, stingrays, tuatara, giant wētā, geckos, and seabirds while learning about the island's inspiring conservation story and Māori heritage. With stunning scenery, expert local guides, and the rare opportunity to experience a protected island after dark, this is a truly unique Auckland wilderness adventure.

Experience the mahi on a one hour guided tour and learn about efforts to restore the land to its pre-European tunga (situation). Experience a one-hour interactive guided tour of the of the property from April to November. Your experienced guide has been sharing the stories of Aotearoa with people from around the globe for many years. At the end of the tour you are welcome to stay on and soak in the sounds, silence and sensations of our place. The opportunity to purchase our lavender products is available, as is the chance to enjoy our famous bush coffee/tea and a "kiwi as" snack. Facilities include an outdoor composting toilet. The income from our farm tours goes directly back into our conservation and regeneration programme. Booking is essential, no walk-ins. Contact us for a group tour bookings or for tours outside advertised hours. The road is not suitable for camper-vans, please phone us to discuss alternative arrangements.

Active travelers wanting to experience Rotorua’s unique landscapes will love this private kayaking tour. Walk through Waimangu Volcanic Valley, one of the world’s youngest geothermal systems, to Lake Rotomahana. Paddle along its shores and admire the steaming cliffs, colorful geothermal features, and dramatic geysers, learning about Māori culture along the way. This is a fun way to get some exercise and explore some of Rotorua’s less-visited attractions.