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The Ultimate Birds of New Zealand Tour
This 30 day tour starts in Auckland and finishes in Christchurch.
Embark on an extraordinary journey across New Zealand, uncovering its diverse birdlife and stunning landscapes. Begin in Auckland, visiting Tiritiri Matangi Island, a sanctuary teeming with rare birds. Explore the Kauri Museum in Matakohe before heading to Hokianga to see Tāne Mahuta, the majestic giant Kauri tree. Discover history and birdlife in Russell, then marvel at marine species in Tāwharanui Marine Reserve. Travel to Rotorua for geothermal wonders and a full-day birding tour with Foris Eco Tours, followed by Napier to encounter the world’s largest mainland gannet colony. In Wellington, venture to Kapiti Island, a haven for native species, before crossing the Interislander to the South Island.
From Picton, journey to Kaikōura to spot seabirds and marine life, and relax in Hanmer Springs. Immerse yourself in West Coast culture at Pounamu Pathway, then explore the wetlands of Ōkārito and Whataora. Visit Franz Josef Glacier, and enjoy a birdwatching trip to Mou Waho Island in Wanaka. In Queenstown, embark on an overnight cruise through Milford Sound before spending three nights on Stewart Island, spotting kiwis and exploring Ulva Island. Experience Dunedin’s iconic albatross and penguins, then head to Mt Cook to marvel at the alpine scenery before concluding your adventure in Christchurch.
Accommodation type on this tour is: Boutique Lodges & Hotels.
This tour also features:
Itinerary summary for: The Ultimate Birds of New Zealand Tour
Day 1: Begin your adventure in vibrant Auckland, New Zealand's largest city
Accommodation:
Abstract Hotel & Residences
Day 2: Discover rare birds on Tiritiri Matangi's lush sanctuary
Accommodation:
Abstract Hotel & Residences
Day 3: Enjoy history and nature en route to Hokianga
Accommodation:
The Sands Hotel & Resort Hokianga
Day 4: Experience Tane Mahuta's majesty under a magical twilight sky
Accommodation:
The Sands Hotel & Resort Hokianga
Day 5: Scenic drive to Russell with a relaxing Ngāwhā Springs stop
Accommodation:
Arcadia Lodge, Russell
Day 6: Russell to charming Warkworth
Accommodation:
Woodhouse Mountain Lodge Warkworth
Day 7: Art and nature collide at Sculptureum and Tāwharanui Reserve
Accommodation:
Woodhouse Mountain Lodge Warkworth
Day 8: Explore forests, culture, and geothermal activity on route to Rotorua
Accommodation:
On the Point
Day 9: Experience Rotorua's natural wonders, Māori culture, and birdlife
Accommodation:
On the Point
Day 10: Iconic gannets and stunning coastal views
Accommodation:
Art Deco Masonic Hotel
Day 11: Napier to Wellington with wildlife at Mount Bruce
Accommodation:
TRYP by Wyndham Wellington
Day 12: Kapiti Island's vibrant birdlife and serene natural beauty
Accommodation:
TRYP by Wyndham Wellington
Day 13: Cross the Cook Strait to the South Island
Accommodation:
Sennen House, Picton
Day 14: Discover birds and stunning views on Blumine Island
Accommodation:
Sudima Hotel Kaikōura
Day 15: Spot albatross in stunning Kaikōura's coastal paradise
Accommodation:
Sudima Hotel Kaikōura
Day 16: Take to the skies with Wings Over Whales!
Accommodation:
Edit Hanmer Springs
Day 17: Drive from Hanmer to Hokitika, stopping at Pounamu Pathway
Accommodation:
Rimu Lodge
Day 18: Explore Ōkārito on a guided kayak tour
Accommodation:
Rainforest Retreat
Day 19: Leave the glaciers and journey to Wanaka to visit Mou Waho Island
Accommodation:
Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel
Day 20: Relax or explore Queenstown at your own pace
Accommodation:
Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel
Day 21: Experience Milford Sound for an overnight adventure, surrounded by breathtaking scenery
Accommodation:
Fiordland Jewel
Day 22: Farewell the unofficial eighth wonder of the world
Accommodation:
Te Anau Lodge
Day 23: Fly from Invercargill to Stewart Island for wildlife encounters
Accommodation:
Church Hill Boutique Lodge & Restaurant
Day 24: Explore Ulva Island's untouched birdlife and pristine native forest
Accommodation:
Church Hill Boutique Lodge & Restaurant
Day 25: Uncover Stewart Island’s rugged coastlines and wildlife
Accommodation:
Church Hill Boutique Lodge & Restaurant
Day 26: Experience Larnach Castle's grandeur with a special dinner
Accommodation:
Larnach Lodge at Larnach Castle
Day 27: Encounter albatross in Dunedin's coastal sanctuary
Accommodation:
Larnach Lodge at Larnach Castle
Day 28: Leave the Otago Peninsula and drive to Aoraki-Mt Cook
Accommodation:
Hermitage Hotel, Aoraki Wing Premium
Day 29: Alpine scenes to the Cantebury Plains, arrive in Christchurch
Accommodation:
Merivale Manor House
Day 30: End your journey today in Christchurch