Wildlife Tours in New Zealand
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10 best New Zealand wildlife tour packages
Compiled by
SteffNew Zealand travel expert at TourRadar
- Top of the South Island Loop - 10 Day Self Drive Tour
- 2 Day Kaikoura Whales and Dolphins Overnight Tour
- 3 Day Kaikoura Whales, Seals, Dolphins Tour
- The Long White Cloud (Small Groups)
- Milford Sound Spectacular - 7 Day Self Drive tour
- Southern Lakes (with TranzAlpine) - 6 Day Self Drive Tour
- Auckland to Christchurch Highlights - 9 Day Self Drive Tour
- Taste of the South - 8 Day Self Drive Tour
- Auckland to Queenstown Highlights - 11 Day Self Drive Tour
- Lord of the Rings Scenic Explorer - 14 Day Self Drive Tour
New Zealand's rich biodiversity comes alive, from Kaikoura's sperm whales and dusky dolphins to Abel Tasman's fur seal colonies. Native birds thrive in Arthur's Pass National Park, including the clever Kea parrot, visible along various hiking trails and viewing points.
Duration 10 days Destinations Christchurch, Kaikoura, Blenheim, Queen Charlotte Sound, Abel Tasman National Park, Paparoa National Park, Arthur's Pass National Park Age Range 2 to 99 year olds Operator Discover New Zealand From
- NZ$3,139
2 Day Kaikoura Whales and Dolphins Overnight Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The itinerary was very clear and easy to follow, the events were great and the accommodation was lovely.”
Connie, traveled in December
Marine wildlife thrives in New Zealand's waters, where sperm whales and dusky dolphins swim off Kaikoura's coast. Fur seals, albatross, and seasonal visitors like blue whales and orcas populate these waters. Professional guides lead intimate wildlife encounters aboard modern catamarans.
Duration 2 days Destinations Christchurch, Kaikoura Age Range 2 to 100 year olds Operator Thrifty Tours From
- NZ$909
Sperm whales surface year-round near Whale Watch Kaikoura's specialized catamarans. Fur seals play along Kaikoura Peninsula, rare Hector's dolphins swim nearby, and albatross soar over Pacific waters.
Duration 3 days Destinations Christchurch, Kaikoura Age Range 2 to 100 year olds Operator Thrifty Tours From
- NZ$1,439
Native wildlife thrives throughout New Zealand's diverse ecosystems. Zealandia sanctuary in Wellington houses rare species, Gannets soar in Napier, and seals and dolphins swim in Doubtful Sound. The National Kiwi Hatchery offers behind-the-scenes tours, while ancient Whirinaki Forest harbors unique species.
Duration 19 days Destinations Christchurch, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Arrowtown, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Dunedin, Kaikoura, Picton, WellingtonSee all destinations Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Luxury Gold From
- NZ$19,365
Milford Sound Spectacular - 7 Day Self Drive tour
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The concept is a great stress free way to see all the sites and scenery with minimal planning. Fabulous!!”
Garry, traveled in November
Real Journeys Milford Sound cruise reveals seals and dolphins in their natural habitat. The International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch showcases polar wildlife, while little blue penguins waddle in Oamaru, accompanied by expert commentary.
Duration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, Mount Cook, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Dunedin, Moeraki Age Range 2 to 99 year olds Operator Discover New Zealand From
- NZ$2,319
Southern Lakes (with TranzAlpine) - 6 Day Self Drive Tour
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was worth the extra money. The recommended itinerary helped so much and the tour operators couldn't have been more helpful if they tried.”
Jola, traveled in September
Mackenzie Country's tussock lands contrast with West Coast rainforests in this diverse expedition. Franz Josef's glacier regions teem with life, native wildlife inhabits Blue Pools, while the TranzAlpine train crosses the magnificent Southern Alps.
Duration 6 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Wanaka, Franz Josef, Greymouth Age Range 2 to 99 year olds Operator Discover New Zealand From
- NZ$2,025
Auckland to Christchurch Highlights - 9 Day Self Drive Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Truly central locations, nice, safe and clean places to stay. We had a wonderful wonderful time in beautiful New Zealand.”
Madellaine, traveled in November
Marine mammals frequent Kaikoura Coast, dolphins play in Marlborough Sounds, and seals bask at Red Rocks. Rich ecosystems stretch from Auckland's harbor to Rotorua's geothermal parks, offering wildlife viewing and nature-focused guided experiences.
Duration 9 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Picton, Christchurch Age Range 2 to 99 year olds Operator Discover New Zealand From
- NZ$3,399
Mount Cook National Park to coastal Moeraki showcase diverse ecosystems. Blue penguins emerge at Oamaru, native beech forests thrive at Blue Pools, while West Coast wildlife inhabits varied landscapes from glaciers to alpine valleys.
Duration 8 days Destinations Christchurch, Mount Cook, Dunedin, Queenstown, Wanaka, Franz Josef, Greymouth Age Range 2 to 99 year olds Operator Discover New Zealand From
- NZ$3,135
Wildlife flourishes at key locations: marine mammals in Hauraki Gulf, native birds in Rotorua's thermal valleys, sperm whales and fur seals in Kaikoura, and alpine species at Mount Cook National Park. Includes 10 nights' accommodation and expert-led wildlife experiences.
Duration 11 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Picton, Blenheim, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Mount Cook, Queenstown Age Range 2 to 99 year olds Operator Discover New Zealand From
- NZ$4,515
New Zealand's unique wildlife inhabits LOTR locations, from Auckland's native forests to Kaikoura's marine life. Remote filming sites in Paradise Valley and Canterbury high country harbor seals and diverse bird species.
Duration 14 days Destinations Auckland, Matamata, Waitomo, Tongariro National Park, Ohakune, Wellington, Picton, Christchurch, Mount Cook, QueenstownSee all destinations Age Range 2 to 100 year olds Operator Discover New Zealand From
- NZ$6,325
What people love about Wildlife Tours in New Zealand
- 2 Day Kaikoura Whales and Dolphins Overnight Tour
The itinerary was very clear and easy to follow, the events were great and the accommodation was lovely. I like the balance between things to do and personal time to explore at your own pace
- Milford Sound Spectacular - 7 Day Self Drive tour
The concept is a great stress free way to see all the sites and scenery with minimal planning... Fabulous!!
- Southern Lakes (with TranzAlpine) - 6 Day Self Drive Tour
Very good selection and to cover the South Island in the shortest possible time, by far an excellent tour. However, it felt like too much driving and not enough relaxation. Car rental company charged the credit card in addition, even though we filled up before drop off and provided no receipt, invoice, email. This is unethical and shadows the whole experience. The organizers, absolutely fantastic. A lot of work to change the accommodations booking to twin beds and excellent communication - they are the best. Most likely will use the company again.
What our customers ask about Wildlife Tours in New Zealand
What wildlife-focused accommodations are recommended in New Zealand?
Several properties across New Zealand cater specifically to wildlife enthusiasts. The Wilderness Lodge Arthur's Pass sits within a natural sanctuary while Punakaiki Resort places guests steps from active seal colonies. Those hoping to spot kiwis will find the Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier conveniently located near the West Coast Wildlife Centre. For ocean wildlife the Distinction Te Anau Hotel provides quick access to Milford Sound's marine life. As one guest noted "The hotels were perfectly located for wildlife viewing - we could see seals right from our room at Punakaiki Resort!"
When is the best time to see whales and dolphins in New Zealand?
October through April offers optimal wildlife viewing conditions in New Zealand particularly around Kaikoura where the seas are calmest. While giant sperm whales frequent the area year-round humpback whales pass through during June and July. Summer (December to February) provides the most favorable conditions for swimming with dolphins with warmer waters and better visibility. A recent visitor shared "The weather in March was perfect for our whale watching tour with calm seas and clear skies making it easy to spot the marine life." Many tours use the Sudima Hotel in Kaikoura or Scenic Hotel in Christchurch as bases for wildlife excursions.
Are there guided night tours available for nocturnal wildlife viewing?
New Zealand offers several options for viewing nocturnal wildlife. The West Coast Wildlife Centre in Franz Josef maintains special nocturnal houses for kiwi viewing while Stewart Island runs guided evening walks to spot the birds in their natural habitat. Te Anau's glowworm caves present another after-dark wildlife experience. According to one visitor "The night kiwi tour was a highlight - seeing these elusive birds in their natural habitat was unforgettable."
Are there any unique wildlife photography opportunities in New Zealand?
Wildlife photographers find rich subjects across New Zealand from breaching whales in Kaikoura to rare yellow-eyed penguins in Dunedin. Milford Sound cruises put photographers in position to capture seals dolphins and penguins with dramatic fiords as backdrops. Te Puia's Kiwi Conservation Centre allows close-up shots of native birds in specialized environments. As one photographer noted "My photographs are extraordinarily memorable! The wildlife against New Zealand's stunning landscapes made for incredible shots."
What are the best wildlife encounters I can experience on a New Zealand Wildlife tour?
Kaikoura serves as New Zealand's premier wildlife destination. Here visitors can join boat tours to see resident giant sperm whales along with seasonal sightings of blue humpback and southern right whales. The area also offers opportunities to swim with dusky dolphins and observe New Zealand fur seals along the shore. One visitor described it as "absolutely magical - swimming with dolphins and seeing the massive sperm whales was a once-in-a-lifetime experience." Many tours base themselves at the White Morph Inn Kaikoura which allows for early morning wildlife departures.