BIRDWATCHING · NEW ZEALAND BIRDWATCHING TOURS
This is the shortlist you would send a birding friend: 15 new zealand birdwatching tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Watch Ōamaru’s tiny blue penguins return from sea, hear expert commentary, and support conservation during a chilly 90-minute evening visit.
“Lots of penguins showed up as they came back home after sunset.”
Watch little blue penguins return to the Otago Peninsula, with expert guides, close views, wildlife, and practical tips for a chilly evening.
“Go in November so you can see the little chick's! They are so cute. We saw hundreds of blue penguins and lots of baby chick's. The platform really makes everything very viewable.”
Review of Dunedin’s 90-minute OPERA wildlife tour, with penguins, seals, conservation stories, practical tips, and honest value advice.
“Awesome tour, guides very knowledgeable. Nice that we were divided into a small group.”
Review of Port Chalmers wildlife cruise, with albatross, seals, penguins, sea birds, small groups, pricing, tips, and honest drawbacks.
“Very well organised. Rachel is very knowledgeable and personable. Her seamanship is excellent and we felt very safe with her despite the somewhat rough sea state. Great commentary about the wildlife and history of the area.”
Explore Dunedin’s Otago Peninsula, see albatross and seals, then watch little blue penguins return to Pukekura after dark.
“Learned a lot about the area and its history and wildlife and saw some great birds and scenery during the drive. The Little Blue Penguins were late arriving home but worth the wait. They were amazingly cutie”
Explore Akaroa’s volcanic rim, Pohatu penguins, sheep farm, seals, and conservation work on a scenic 2 or 4-hour 4WD tour.
“It was an amazing tour! I’m so glad we got this 2 hours tour, my mom even she didn’t understand English (I was translating) she fully enjoyed it and was amazed by the conservation. Thank you a lot for everything you do, I will recommend this tour to all my friends❤️”
See white-flippered penguins at Pohatu Bay on a scenic Akaroa 4WD tour that supports 30 years of local conservation work.
“We had a wonderful evening with a beautiful drive to Flea Bay where we saw quite a few blue pinguins! Our guide, Kevin, was very nice and he took the time to answer all of our questions. It was a great experience!”
Spot wild kiwi, hear ruru calls, and study Southern Hemisphere stars on a small-group night tour at Tawharanui near Auckland.
“Legend is really passionate and has a huge knowledge about animals, stars and NZ overall. We enjoyed it so much. Wonderful landscape and people :)”
See Dunedin’s best sights, Otago Peninsula scenery, and penguins on this small-group tour from Port Chalmers or the city.
“Asta- Excellent professional and knowledgeable guide. Cater to every need we asked for from stopping for a cup of coffee to feeding our daughter and to the best spot for stunning photos. Penguin reserve is a must-visit place.”
Review of Dunedin’s six-hour Otago Peninsula tour, with city sights, scenic roads, botanical gardens, and rare yellow-eyed penguins.
“Asta our hide was amazing! She is a storehouse of Dunedin knowledge and a great ambassador for your city. She is also flexible and made our tour a most enjoyable experience. It was amazing to see penguins in their natural habitat. I highly recommend this tour!”
Review of Picton’s Blumine Island eco-tour, with rare birds, dolphins, marine biologists, island walks, pricing, tips, and practical details.
“Will was a fantastic guide. Entertaining and informative. Clearly the best guide and I am not just saying that so that Paul has pay up!”
Cruise from Picton to Motuara Island and Ship Cove for native birds, Queen Charlotte Sound views, Captain Cook history, and a half-day escape.
“Unfortunately I booked this trip for our group of 6 thinking it was available as a cruise ship shore excursion. It was not, so we were an hour late. We went into the business running the tour and were told that was fine and we could simply take the next boat going out. That was it. We were never told or asked what tour we had ordered, and were not made aware the Island Bird Sanctuary wasn't included. We would have DEFINITELY opted out had we known this. When we returned we asked if perhaps a discount could be offered and were told no. There were 2 other parties off…”
Review of Dunedin’s 7-hour wildlife tour, with yellow-eyed penguins, royal albatross, Otago Peninsula views, and practical booking tips.
“Another well done, informative tour of the area. The tour operator/owner did a great job with his presentation. Oh, its an excellent value too. Thanks again! ken”
Sail Akaroa Harbour aboard the historic Fox II for Hector’s dolphins, penguins, seals, cliffs, caves, and old-fashioned Kiwi charm.
“A wonderful sail around Akaroa Harbour with close encounters with dolphins and seabirds and informative narrative about both human and natural history.”
See endangered yellow-eyed penguins, seals, sea lions, and native birds on a small-group Otago Peninsula conservation tour.
“We were very lucky to see yellow eyed penguins. The pair was at the beach for a long time ! I feel the late afternoon or evening tours are better.”
Pick a species, a habitat or a coastline.
