You’re never far from the water in New Zealand. With seemingly neverending coastlines, this is one country where you can get up close with all sorts of marine life. Want to see the world’s smallest penguins? Swim with playful dolphins? Look no further. Here are our picks for some of the best wildlife experiences in New Zealand.
Dolphins
The Hector’s dolphin is the smallest and rarest species of dolphin in the world – and you’ll only find them in New Zealand. Specifically, Akaroa Harbour is where they’re at. Take a Black Cat Cruise and you might see penguins and albatross from on board as well.
A little further north, you can swim with dusky dolphins in Kaikoura. These wild dolphins inhabit the coast all year round. Dolphin Encounter operates multiple tours every day.
The Bay of Islands, toward the top of the North Island, is another region where you’ll find pods of common and bottlenose dolphins – they love the warm and calm waters here. Who knows, you may even see orca out and about too. GreatSights and Explore depart from Paihia and Russell.
Whales
Kaikoura is known as the marine capital of New Zealand. Sightings of the giant sperm whale in their natural environment are common all year around, and during the winter months you could also see migrating humpback, blue, pilot and southern right whales. You’re also likely to see seals, dolphins and albatross on the same trip. Whale Watch Kaikoura operates multiple sailings every day while Wings Over Whales offers scenic flight options.
Known as the City of Sails, Auckland is another place where you’ll find marine tours. Both whales and dolphins have been seen in the stunning Hauraki Gulf. Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari leaves from the Viaduct on the waterfront.
Penguins
Blue penguins live all round New Zealand, but Oamaru is where they practically brush shoulders with us. They nest around the harbour so you can watch them come in from the sea in the evening, or observe the breeding colony during daytime.
Further south in Dunedin, you’ll find Penguin Place – a private reserve dedicated to conserving the yellow-eyed penguin, one of the most endangered breeds in the world. You’re guaranteed to see penguins on a tour, as you get an insight into the penguins’ living and breeding grounds.
Seals
Fancy swimming with the famously curious New Zealand fur seal? The Kaikoura Peninsula is the place for this interactive experience. Seal Swim Kaikoura operates from October to May. No experience needed.
Kiwi
We’re breaking the pattern here, but we couldn’t leave this off the list! This little flightless bird (and our national icon) is nocturnal as well as endangered, so a nature habitat is the best place for a sighting.
Rainbow Springs in Rotorua sprawls over 22 acres of park, and is home to tuatara, fish and lizards as well as birds. You can book a kiwi encounter to see the incubation, hatching and nursery rooms too.
Zealandia in Wellington is a forested eco-sanctuary housing many rare native species. A night tour to see little spotted kiwi is an unforgettable experience.
South of Hamilton, the Otorohanga Kiwi House boasts several types of kiwi. It’s a park for various native birds and has the biggest dome aviary in the country.
(Feature image: NOAA Photo Library)
