New Zealand birding, wildlife and nature holiday

Itinerary in brief:

• 2 nights Auckland
• 2 nights Rotorua
• 2 nights Napier
• 1 night Kapiti Island
• 2 nights Wellington
• 2 nights Picton
• 2 nights Kaikoura
• 2 nights Christchurch
• 1 night Oamaru 
• 2 nights Dunedin
• 2 nights Stewart Island

Day 1: Depart UK

Depart the UK from your chosen airport.

Included: International flights

Day 2: Arrive Auckland

On arrival in Auckland, you'll be met at the airport and driven into the city, checking into your hotel for two nights. Spend a couple of days getting over your jetlag and settling into this incredible country, starting in the largest city of Auckland. 

Included: Transfers, 4* hotel 

Day 3: Auckland

The day is yours to relax and get over any jet lag, as well as explore the City of Sails. Why not take a walk down to the harbour for a walk up or head up the Sky Tower for views over Auckland? We've also included the epic All Blacks Experience, where you'll get closer to the history, culture and passion of New Zealand rugby. Learn the power of the haka and put your own rugby skills to the test in the interactive zone - it's a great way to spend your first morning in New Zealand.

In the evening, you'll out of the city to visit Tāwharanui Regional Park, around an hour north of Auckland, for a guided walk to look for the iconic kiwi bird. Learn about the protection of the native bush and wildlife with your guide, and fingers crossed you'll have a rare opportunity to encounter kiwi in their natural habitat.

Included: All Blacks Experience, Kiwi Wilderness Experience, 4* hotel 

Day 4: Drive to Rotorua

Leaving the big city behind, you'll pick up your hire car and drive through the lush, green hills and rural landscapes of the Waikato region, before arriving in Rotorua. We always recommend stopping in to visit Hobbiton, the iconic film set from the Lord of the Rings Films. Spend a few hours on the guided tour of the set, exploring the different hobbit holes, admiring the flowers and vegetable gardens, learning about the filming and enjoying a pint at the famous Green Dragon Inn. After exploring this magical spot, you can carry on to Rotorua, checking into your hotel for two nights. 

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel 

Day 5: Rotorua

Spend the day exploring Rotorua and the surrounding area - there is so much to see here! Rotorua is one of the best places in New Zealand to experience the geothermal landscapes - make sure you visit Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland to explore the bubbling mud pools, the shocking orange Champagne Pool and the incredible other hot springs here. Another must do experience is a visit to Te Puia, a centre of Maori art with lots of geothermal activity on its grounds. Here, you can wait for the geyser to erupt before exploring the cultural centre, where you can see traditional Maori architecture and learn about traditional life. 

We've included a brilliant ziplining experience, where you'll soar through the native forest on a series of ziplines and bridges, learning about the trees and birds around you as you enjoy the thrilling ride through the canopy.

Included: Canopy zipline, car hire, 4* hotel

Day 6: Drive to Napier

Leaving Rotorua behind, you’ll drive an hour south to Lake Taupo, where you can explore the lake side and admire the peaceful mountain scenery. If you want to experience a classic New Zealand jetboat, head to Huka Falls and take a thrilling ride up to the aquamarine waterfall, spinning 360 degrees and getting soaked in the process. Afterwards, you’ll continue your drive to Napier, where you’ll check into your hotel for two nights.

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel 

Day 7: Napier

This morning, you’ll take a walk through history on an hour-long tour of Napier’s Art Deco past. After the devastating earthquake of 1931, the town was rebuilt in the Art Deco Style. The volunteer guides at the Napier Art Deco Trust are full of knowledge about the city’s past and will guide you through the pretty streets, pointing out quirky features that you’d struggle to notice on your own. After an hour of exploring the town, you’ll finish at the visitor centre, where you’ll learn more about the earthquake and its effect on New Zealand.

In the afternoon, we've included the 4WD Gannet Safari at Cape Kidnappers which takes you out over the farmland and riverbeds towards the gannet colony. It's an incredible way to explore the landscape without dragging the kids on a long hike, before encountering the huge gannet colony by the cliffs, were you can admire the birds at close range as they nest, preen and fly overhead. 

Included: Car hire, Art Deco tour, Gannet Safari, 4* hotel 

Day 8: Drive to Kapiti Island

Leaving Napier behind, today you'll drive down through the North Island to the west coast, a little spot called Paraparaumu Beach. From here, you'll park your car for the night and head to the marina to catch the short ferry to Kapiti Island, one of the last sanctuaries for the Little Spotted Kiwi. Enjoy a packed lunch on arrival before heading off with your experienced guide to enjoy a day walk of the island. You'll learn about the human and ecological stories of the island, as well as to identify some of the flora and fauna you find along the way. 

You'll be able to climb to Kapiti's highest peak, Tuteremoana or explore the lower tracks through established New Zealand forest. In the afternoon, you'll be driven to Waiorua, where you'll spend the night. You'll be treated to local beer and wine, and a delicious home cooked meal before heading out after dark on a guided night walk for some kiwi-spotting. Seeing a kiwi is not guaranteed but you're in one of the best places in the world to see them, so cross your fingers and hopefully you'll be lucky!

Included: Car hire, ferry tickets, lunch, dinner, guided day and night walks, Ensuite Room at Kapiti Nature Lodge 

Day 9: Drive to Wellington

A hot breakfast and fresh coffee will help you experience the world come alive as you watch the sun rise over Waiorua Bay, on one of the oldest sanctuaries in the world. You'll spend your second day exploring the Waiorua tracks, with a coastal or hill walk available. After a hot lunch at the lodge, you'll depart Kapiti Island on a ferry back to Paraparaumu Coast, where your tour ends. Back on the mainland, you'll continue your drive south to Wellington, checking into your hotel for two nights. 

Included: Breakfast, ferry tickets, car hire, 4* hotel 

Day 10: Wellington

Gazing across Wellington Harbour to the Cook Strait, New Zealand’s hugely appealing capital is a wonderful place to spend a few days. Painted wooden houses dot the hillsides, swanky restaurants line the waterfront and hip cafes pepper the city. We'd always recommend a visit to Te Papa, the largest museum in New Zealand and a sight to behold, both inside and out. The exhibitions change regularly, but the permanent collections offer a fascinating insight into the history of the Maori, the volcanic geology of New Zealand and unique wildlife of the three islands, much of which is now extinct. 

During your time in Wellington, we've included a visit to Zealandia. Here, you can learn about the locals’ efforts to protect indigenous species, both plants and birds, in this spectacular city wildlife reserve. Look for kea, kiwi, takahe and korimako birds - amongst many, many others! It's an incredible experience for any nature and bird enthusiasts. 

Included: Car hire, Zealandia tour, 4* hotel 

Day 11: Ferry to Picton

This morning, you'll drive to the ferry port and take the famous Interislander ferry from Wellington over to Picton on the South Island. Admire spectacular views of the Marlborough Sounds as you cruise through the deep blue water. When you arrive, you'll have the rest of the day to explore the region around Picton 

Included: Car hire, ferry, 4* hotel 

Day 12: Picton

From your base in Picton, today you'll explore the Marlborough Sounds, including time on the bird sanctuary of Motuara Island. As soon as you arrive, you'll hear a chorus of birdsong from the inhabitants. You can utilise the bird viewing station before heading up to the highest point of the island for views across to Ship Cove. Nesting boxes line the track where Little Penguins snooze as you walk, making sure to keep your eyes peeled for other New Zealand natives including tieke, toutouwai, tui, riroriro, the endangered South Island Saddleback and even the very rare King Shag. All introduced pests were removed in the early 1990s and the island is now home to a variety of native species having struggled to survive or died out on the mainland - a visit here is a real highlight for any bird and nature lovers. 

Cruise back through the scenic sounds and spend the rest of the day enjoying the region - why not have lunch by the harbour in one of the cosy cafes before enjoying the Bob's Bay Walk, an easy coastal track through native forest and past secluded coves. If you'd like something a little harder, the Queen Charlotte View Track is around 5km return from the car park and offer spectacular views over the sounds at the summit.

Included: Car hire, Motuara Island cruise, 4* hotel 

Day 13: Drive to Kaikoura

Leaving Marlborough Sounds behind, you can spend today enjoying the tranquil wine region around Blenheim at your own pace. Why not visit a couple of vineyards or enjoy breakfast at one of the iconic brunch spots around town, before driving south along the Pacific coast towards Kaikoura. Stop off in Kekerengu for a coffee on the way, tuck into some local crayfish along the coast and pull in at Ohau Point to admire the fur seals along the shore. From here, you'll start to see the mountains rise dramatically to your right as the vast ocean lies to your left and soon you'll arrive in spectacular Kaikoura, home to some of the most majestic coastal scenery on the South Island.

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel 

Day 14: Kaikoura

Spend the day enjoying Kaikōura’s spectacular coastline and abundant marine life, with the mountains providing an impressive backdrop to your day. We've included a whale-watching cruise, taking you out onto the water in search of the whales found off the Kaikōura coast. Sperm whales can be found here year round, while humpbacks pass through on their migration from Antarctica between June and October. If you'd rather, we can change this to a whale watching flight or helicopter experience - these tend to be shorter but give you incredible views of the mountains and ocean, as well as the chance to see the whole length of the whale from above - it's pretty incredible! If you'd like to add this, just ask.

In the evening, we've booked you on a relaxing sunset kayak tour, watching seals swim and dive around your kayak as they hunt for octopus. Keep your eyes peeled for blue penguins and albatross, as well as dusky dolphins in the dark waters. Enjoy the peaceful tranquillity of being out on the water amongst all this wildlife as the day draws to a close. 

Included: Car hire, whale watching cruise, sunset kayaking, 4* hotel 

Day 15: Drive to Christchurch

Head along the coast to Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island. Spend the afternoon exploring the city's many pop-up bars, cafes and shops and learning about the history of the architecture and changes since the earthquake in 2011. Why not go punting along the River Avon past the Botanic Gardens or even head out to the gondola for incredible views over Littleton Harbour. You'll check into your hotel for two nights - if you'd like we can add on the iconic Tram Dinner experience, where you tuck into a delicious meal as you enjoy a relaxed tram journey through the centre of the city. If you'd like to add this - just ask!

Included: Car hire, 4* hotel 

Day 16: Akaroa & the Banks Peninsula

This morning, you'll head out on a tour of the Banks Peninsula, exploring the unique town of Akaroa, set in a volcanic crater not far from Christchurch. The journey is spectacular, through rolling farmlands towards the sparkling waters of Lyttelton Harbour with the snow-capped Southern Alps in the background. From Akaroa, you'll head out on a dolphin cruise, with the chance to swim with Hector's dolphins in their natural habitat - these playful creatures are the world's smallest and rarest dolphins - it's sure to be a magical experience.

After your dolphin swim, you'll tuck into lunch at a quaint cafe in Akaroa before exploring the 175 year old French Village - wander through the historic streets, visit local art studios and stop in at the museum to learn about the early settlers in this region. In the afternoon, you'll head back to Christchurch.

Included: Akaroa dolphin tour, 4* hotel

Day 17: Drive to Oamaru

Leaving Christchurch behind, you'll drive south through lush farmland to Oamaru, one of New Zealand's most charming towns. Explore the beautifully preserved Victorian precinct and head out for an early dinner before enjoying the most iconic Oamaru experience.

As dusk falls, you'll be able to watch the world's smallest penguin, the little blue penguin, emerge from the sea and their way up the shore to sleep after a day feeding at sea. Watching these tiny creatures head back to their nests as the sun sets is a magical way to end the day.

Included: Car hire, penguin experience, 4* hotel 

Day 18: Drive to Dunedin

Leaving Oamaru behind, spend the day exploring a peaceful stretch of the South Island's east cast. Stop at the fascinating Moeraki Boulders, where you'll find dozens of enormous spherical stones scattered across the beach and visit the village of Moeraki for fish and chips by the water for lunch. 

Included: 

Day 19: Dunedin

Today is yours to explore the historic town of Dunedin, as well as the spectacular nearby Otago Peninsula. We've included a fantastic wildlife cruise, so you'll spend the morning exploring the wildlife-rich waters of the peninsula, where you may spot northern royal albatrosses soaring overhead alongside fur seals, sea lions, penguins and a variety of seabirds. 

After your cruise, you can head to the Royal Albatross Centre at Taiaroa Head, the world's only mainland breeding colony of northern royal albatross, where you can learn about these incredible creatures from the expert guides and the conservation efforts that protect them. Beyond these highlights, there's plenty more to see in Dunedin, whether you're strolling through town admiring the Victorian architecture or visiting vibrant galleries and quirky coffee shops. 

Included: Car hire, wildlife cruise, Albatros Centre entry, 4* hotel 

Day 20: Drive to Bluff, ferry to Stewart Island

Drive south through the scenic Catlins region, as you pass by rolling farmland and rugged cliffs. Make sure you stop in at Nugget Point to see the dramatic sea-carved rocks and Purakaunui Falls to look out for sea lions and fur seals. The further south you drive, the landscape will gradually change into the remote wilderness of the south coast. Arriving in Bluff, you'll take the ferry over to Stewart Island, a wildlife haven off the south coast of New Zealand. 

You'll check into your hotel, Stewart Island Lodge, for two nights before heading out to explore the island at your leisure. You can do your own thing today or we can book a cruise to the nearby Ulva Island, one of New Zealand's most important wildlife sanctuaries. Hop on the catamaran past secluded beaches as you look out for seabirds and penguins before enjoying a guided nature walking through the native forest. Look for weka, South Island robins, saddlebacks and yellowheads - this is some of the easiest and most rewarding bird watching in New Zealand. If you'd like to add this tour, just ask!

Included: Car hire, ferry tickets, Stewart Island Lodge

Day 21: Stewart Island

Enjoy Stewart Island's laid-back vibe and beautiful natural surroundings. Wander around the small township of Oban, browse the local galleries and cafés or follow the short walk up to Observation Rock for sweeping views across Halfmoon Bay and Paterson Inlet. Alternatively, return to Stewart Island Lodge to relax on the terrace with a good book as you and soak up the peaceful waterfront setting.

This evening, you'll head out on a wild kiwi encounter, one of New Zealand's most memorable wildlife experiences. Cruise across Paterson Inlet from Halfmoon Bay to Little Glory Cove at dusk before heading ashore with a guide in search of the elusive southern brown kiwi. As dusk sets in and daylight diminishes, venture by torchlight through the native forest with the stars and forest night sounds around you. Walking through native forest under the cover of darkness, you'll have the rare opportunity to observe these remarkable birds in their natural habitat. Exploring this pristine wilderness with an expert guide is a truly unforgettable experience.

Included: Evening kiwi encounter tour, Stewart Island Lodge

Day 22: Depart New Zealand

Enjoy one final walk nearby to your hotel before heading to Oban to catch the ferry back to the mainland. From here, you'll drive to Invercargill, dropping off your hire car and catching your international flight home. 

Included: Ferry, car hire, international flights

Day 23: Arrive UK