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.

This tour also features:

Included activity: Private Transfer Auckland Airport to your Auckland Accommodation with Tourcorp

Included activity: The Visitor Promise - Cultural Learning Course

Included activity: Electronic Travel Guide and In-Country Support App

Included activity: Gannet Safaris

Included activity: Pūkaha Mount Bruce Wildlife Centre General Admission - Open-Dated Voucher

Included activity: Kapiti Classic Guided Day Tour with Kapiti Island Nature Tours - Lunch Included

Included activity: Interislander Ferry Wellington to Picton with Premium Plus Lounge

Included activity: Albatross Tour with Encounter Kaikōura

Included activity: 30 Minute Whale Watch Explorer with Wings over Whales Kaikoura

Included activity: Māwhera Pounamu Pathway Immersive Experience

Included activity: Okarito Lagoon Guided Kayak Trip with Okarito Kayaks

Included activity: Lake Cruise and Island Nature Walk with Eco Wanaka

Included activity: Return Ferry to Tiritiri Matangi Island and Guided Walk

Included activity: Milford Sound Overnight Cruise on the Fiordland Jewel with Fiordland Discovery

Included activity: Ata Whenua - Shadowland Film at Fiordland Cinema

Included activity: Invercargill to Stewart Island with Stewart Island flights

Included activity: Ulva Island Half Day Guided Walk with Ulva's Guided Walks

Included activity: Evening Kiwi Spotting with Ulva's Guided Walks

Included activity: Coastal Highlights Guided Day Hike with Ruggedy Range - Lunch Included

Included activity: Stewart Island to Invercargill with Stewart Island flights

Included activity: Dinner at Camp Estate, Larnach Castle

Included activity: Royal Albatross Centre - Unique Albatross and Fort Taiaroa Tour

Included activity: Dinner at Camp Estate, Larnach Castle

Included activity: The Panorama Room 3-course Dinner with The Hermitage Hotel

Included activity: Matakohe Kauri Museum

Included activity: Twilight Waipoua Encounter

Included activity: Ngawha Springs

Included activity: Sculptureum - Gardens and Galleries Experience

Included activity: Nocturnal Adventure Glow-Worm Tour with Real Rotorua

Included activity: Birding Day Tour in Rotorua with Foris Eco Tours - Lunch Included

29 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner, 3 special dinners

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