Price pp from:

$18,945
Lake Manapouri reflecting mountains, clouds, and a rainbow at sunset

The Ultimate Birds of New Zealand Tour

Auckland

Christchurch

30 days, 29 nights

Road Trips

From: $18,945 pp

Tour overview

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.

Tour highlights & inclusions

30 days / 29 nights
29 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner

Auckland

Christchurch

Boutique Lodges & Hotels
Rental car included
  • Return Ferry to Tiritiri Matangi Island and Guided Walk
  • Matakohe Kauri Museum
  • Twilight Waipoua Encounter

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Price pp from

NZD $18,945

Why Discover New Zealand

  • Wānaka-based specialists planning your trip from inside New Zealand.
  • One travel specialist to plan and book every detail from start to finish.
  • 24/7 in-country support while you’re travelling, so help is close if plans change.

Trip itinerary

Welcome to Auckland

Welcome to Auckland, known in Māori as Tāmaki Makaurau. Auckland is New Zealand's vibrant "City of Sails," and the country's largest metropolitan area. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea. Surrounded by native bush, lush rainforests, and pristine beaches, Auckland is a haven for both adventurers and urban explorers. Wander through world-class museums and galleries in the city centre or enjoy a peaceful retreat at the Auckland Gardens, where stunning landscapes showcase New Zealand's diverse flora. Stroll along the lively waterfront to savour fresh seafood and international cuisine at Viaduct restaurants. For an unforgettable perspective, ascend the iconic SkyTower, New Zealand's tallest structure, and take in panoramic views of the city and its picturesque islands.

Aerial view of Auckland city skyline with bridge and harbor at sunset.

Accommodation

Hotel bedroom with double bed, two pillows, blue walls, window with curtains, and wall art.
Abstract Hotel & Residences

Tour highlights

Boat with Explore Ltd logo sailing near a green coastline under a blue sky with clouds.

Return Ferry to Tiritiri Matangi Island and Guided Walk

Group of people walking into The Kauri Museum building with red roof and clear blue sky

Matakohe Kauri Museum

The silhouette of a person stands before the massive, towering trunk of a giant ancient Kauri tree in a lush green New Zealand forest.

Twilight Waipoua Encounter

Steaming hot spring pool with wooden statues and rocky landscape at sunset.

Ngawha Springs

Bright pink snail statues outdoors on gravel with trees in background.

Sculptureum - Gardens and Galleries Experience

Person shining a flashlight in a dark forest with tall trees and ferns at night.

Nocturnal Adventure Glow-Worm Tour

A man and woman with arms outstretched stand at the base of a towering, moss-clothed ancient podocarp tree in a dense, primeval rainforest filled with ferns in Whirinaki Forest.

Birding Day Tour in Rotorua - Lunch Included

Gannets flying and resting with tourists and safari bus in background under blue sky

Gannet Safaris

Kiwi bird standing on forest floor surrounded by ferns and dry leaves

Pūkaha Mount Bruce Wildlife Centre General Admission - Open-Dated Voucher

Boat landing on a pebble beach with passengers disembarking and green hills in the background at Kapiti Island.

Kapiti Island Classic Guided Day Tour - Lunch Included

Man sitting in a boat lounge looking out a window at forest and water scenery.

Interislander Ferry Wellington to Picton with Premium Plus Lounge

Close-up of an albatross floating on the ocean with a light blue sky background

Albatross Tour with Encounter Kaikōura

An aerial view of a small Wings Over Whales plane flying over two sperm whales swimming at the surface of the deep blue ocean.

30 Minute Whale Watch Explorer with Wings over Whales Kaikoura

Two women interacting with illuminated cultural exhibits in a dark museum room.

Māwhera Pounamu Pathway

Two people in a yellow kayak on a lake with snowy mountains and forest in the background.

Okarito Lagoon Guided Kayak Trip

Motor boat on lake with snow-covered mountains under clear blue sky.

Lake Cruise and Island Nature Walk

Woman sitting on bed with cup looking out window at river and forest in a cabin.

Milford Sound Overnight Cruise on the Fiordland Jewel

An image to represent the Ata Whenua - Shadowland Film

Ata Whenua - Shadowland Film at Fiordland Cinema

An aerial view of Oban and Halfmoon Bay on Stewart Island during sunset, showing the township nestled around the coast with forested hills and Paterson Inlet in the distance.

Invercargill to Stewart Island with Stewart Island flights

Group of people on forest path watching a weka bird near greenery

Ulva Island Half Day Duided Walk

Wooden stairs winding down a forest path surrounded by green plants and moss.

Evening Kiwi Spotting with Ulva's Guided Walks

Seaplane flying above a forested coastline with sandy beach and mountains in the background.

Stewart Island to Invercargill with Stewart Island flights

Ornate dining room with long table, chandelier, red walls, paintings, and classic furnishings.

Dinner at Camp Estate, Larnach Castle

Two royal albatross birds facing each other on green grass near the coast.

Royal Albatross Centre - Unique Albatross and Fort Taiaroa Tour

Ornate dining room with long table, chandelier, red walls, paintings, and classic furnishings.

Dinner at Camp Estate, Larnach Castle

Waiter pouring white wine to a woman at a restaurant table with mountains in the background

3-course dinner at The Panorama Room in The Hermitage Hotel

Additional inclusions

Private Transfer Auckland Airport to your Auckland Accommodation with Tourcorp

Coastal Highlights Guided Day Hike - Lunch Included

24/7 support from the moment you arrive to the moment you depart

Talk to a local travel specialist. Enquire