While New Zealand was an island totally free of land mammals before humans arrived, there are quite a few unusual birds and other animals that call it home today. From the abundance of marine life like dolphins, whales and fur seals, to adorable penguins and alpine parrots, wildlife lovers will find lots to enjoy here. These spots provide the best chances for viewing.
Dunedin, South Island
Dunedin on the South Island is the top spot for viewing the rare yellow-eyed penguin, or hoiho, one of the world’s most endangered types. Visitors can join wildlife tours for close encounters on the Otago Peninsula just south of Dunedin, where the penguins live in their natural habitat, alongside sea lions and seals. You’ll be able to view their activities at close range without disturbing them through a system of covered tunnels and hides.
Kaikoura, South Island
The seaside town of Kaikoura on the South Island is one of the world’s few places where sperm whales can be spotted throughout the year, due to the nutrient-rich marine environment that attracts the huge animals that can weigh more than 50 tons and grow as long as 65 feet. Depending on the season, you might also see southern right whales, blue whales, humpback whales, beaked whales and orcas too. Rare and endangered hectors dolphins, dusky dolphins and New Zealand fur seals are frequently seen as well.
Pukaha National Wildlife Centre - Mount Bruce, North Island
Kiwis are a national treasure, flightless nocturnal birds that have unique fur-like coats and odd burrowing habits, only found here in New Zealand. As the endangered animals can’t fly and are particularly vulnerable to predators due to their underdeveloped skeletal structure, they aren’t easy to spot. Your best bet for viewing is a wildlife center like Pukaha National Wildlife Centre, two hours from Wellington in Mount Bruce. It’s home to New Zealand’s only white kiwi in captivity along with many other endangered birds and wildlife like the kakariki, a New Zealand parakeet and an endemic reptile known as the tuatara.
Bay of Islands, North Island
The Bay of Islands on the North Island is one of the best places to visit in New Zealand, as you can watch for dolphins, with the mild climate keeping them here all year round. You’ll most likely see bottlenose and common dolphins, along with the occasional orca whale. There are many tours that will take you out for close encounters, but one of the best options is to join a half-day eco-tour where you might even be able to swim with wild dolphins. Excursions typically depart from both Russell and Paihia.
Arthur's Pass, South Island
Arthur’s Pass, located in the Southern Alps on the South Island, is not only one of the most spectacular destinations in New Zealand, but it’s also where you can find the world’s only alpine parrot. They’re native to the country found in the island’s forested, alpine regions between altitudes of 900 and 6,000 feet. Very intelligent, and cheeky, head to the Cheeky Kea Cafe and you’ll have a good chance of capturing photos right from your table. Their plumage is olive green, with a yellow/green crown, brilliant orange under its wings and a curved, grayish-brown upper beak.
Banks Peninsula, Christchurch, South Island
Just outside of Christchurch on the Banks Peninsula is Pohatu, the largest mainland colony of Australasian little penguins. Guided evening trips can bring you to see the white-flippered type of blue penguin, only found in this region. The optimal time for viewing is from late August through December during the breeding season, though they can also be seen in January and most of February along with a few periods between from mid-April to September when they occasionally return from sea. Participants get an excellent insight into the life of the penguins along with the chance to see them up close.
Milford Sound, South Island
In Milford Sound is a stunning natural wonder where lush rainforest clings precariously to the cliffs while gardens of coral grow beneath the water’s surface, creating a magical setting for wildlife. New Zealand fur seals inhabit the fjord year-round and can often be seen soaking up the sun at Seal Point, thanks to the rocks that are easy to climb. While they once came close to extinction due to hunting in the 19th century, they’re protected now with the population continuing to increase. Multiple cruise operators can bring you out as close as possible to the local wildlife without disturbing it.
Stewart Island
Stewart Island, located 19 miles south of the South Island, is a bird watchers’ paradise, an unspoiled environment home to native birds, including unique species like the flightless weka. Stewart Island weka can be found at a restoration site near Halfmoon Bay and some surrounding islands. They have a feisty and curious personality, often attracted to humans and any small objects they might have with them, occupying a range of habitats that includes forests, subalpine grassland, sand dunes and rocky shores.
Mount Cook National Park, South Island
The paradise shelduck looks a lot like a large duck, but it makes an odd, loud noise and is actually in the goose family. The colorful waterfowl can often be spotted in some unusual places you’d never expect, with males giving a goose-like honk when in flight or alarmed, while females have a shrill, persistent call. Visit Mount Cook National Park and you’re bound to see plenty, including adorable and curious babies in the spring.
Hawke's Bay, North Island
Cape Kidnappers in Hawke’s Bay hosts the largest and most accessible mainland breeding colony of gannets on Earth. Join eco-tour via tractor to the Black Reef Colony to witness thousands of sea birds in their natural habitat.
