Three New Zealand Wildlife Encounters

Before humans arrived, New Zealand was a world of birds and plants.  Here you will find some of the world's most unique birdlife.  Unique wildlife encounters and natural spectacles are two of New Zealand's biggest attractions.

Within the space of one day, you can experience ancient forests, volcanic landscapes, mountain vistas and stunning coastlines all while spotting New Zealand wildlife found nowhere else on earth.

Otorohanga Kiwi House and Native Bird Park
If you want to see Kiwi up close, then a visit to Otorohanga Kiwi House is the place to go.  The not-for-profit wildlife and conservation center has been breeding Kiwi since 1971.  The birds are on display all day in the special nocturnal houses.  It also breeds rare and endangered native New Zealand Wildlife.

The family-friendly park offers Kiwi viewing of two of New Zealand's species - Great Spotted Kiwi and Brown Kiwi.  The park also has ponds, wetland areas and walk-through aviaries including a giant dome aviary.

Whale Watch Kaikoura
The picturesque coastal town of Kaikoura, located on the South Island, is the perfect place for marine life encounters and coastal walks.  An easy two-hour drive north of Christchurch, Kaikoura makes for a great day trip or a fun stop.

New Zealand's leading whale watching company offers an exciting up-close encounter with the world's largest toothed predator, the Giant Sperm Whale, in their natural environment at all times of the year.  On a typical encounter, you'll see New Zealand fur seals, pods of Dusky dolphins and the endangered Wandering Albatross.  Depending on the season, you may also see migrating Humpback whales, Pilot whales, Blue whales and Southern Right whales.

Zealandia:  The Karori Sanctuary Experience
Located in Wellington on the North Island, Zealandia is a self-contained mainland island.  The Sanctuary is a unique eco-sanctuary for New Zealand's native wildlife.  Here the rare species are living wild within one square mile of regenerating forest.  The area is surrounded by a ground-breaking pest-proof fence.

You can choose from 32 kilometers of track to spot Kara, the playful forest parrot, tuatara, a reptilian living fossil, saddleback, hihi falcon, takahe, weta, tui, and many more.  For a real treat, it is suggested that visitors book a night tour to seek out the iconic spotted Kiwi and other nocturnal creatures.