Wildlife Encounters
Wildlife Encounters
from £4,459 excluding flights
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Highlights
Discover the pristine wilderness of Doubtful Sound
Explore the beautiful Catlins Coast Forest Park
Spot native wildlife such as kiwi, tuatara, kea and Hector's dolphin
Cross the Southern Alps on the scenic TranzAlpine railway
Stay overnight on the island sanctuary of Kapiti
Meet some of the world's rarest penguins on the Otago Peninsula
Why this trip...
Tailor made
This itinerary can be tailor made to suit you and is intended to give you a guideline of what is possible in a given timeframe
Activities included
This itinerary features a range of included activities
Explore at leisure
With the route, transport and accommodation sorted, each day offers the freedom to explore
Overview
This 22-day independent holiday focuses on the rich and diverse natural heritage of New Zealand, home to a number of species of flora and fauna found nowhere else on earth. Bird life and marine mammals take centre stage on this self-drive journey that will lead you through pristine rainforests, alpine valleys and secluded beaches.
On Tiritiri Matangi Island near Auckland you will find tuataras, reintroduced to the Island in recent years. Often referred to as the living fossil, the tuatara is the sole survivor of an ancient order of reptiles called Rhynchocephalia.
Stewart Island is the only place in New Zealand where the timid nocturnal little brown kiwi can be reliably seen in the wild. Stewart Island's brown kiwi has been recognised as a separate species, adapted to life in the south where during the summer months days are very long and nights short. On occasion, these kiwis can be seen foraging during daylight hours.
Yellow-eyed penguins (megadyptes antipodes) are found only in New Zealand waters and are one of the world's rarest penguins. They inhabit an area rich in wildlife on the Otago Peninsula. Numbers on the mainland are declining and their habitat is under threat. Their survival is very much reliant on human understanding and goodwill.
Hector's dolphin (cephalorhynchus hectori) can be easily recognised by its small rounded dorsal fin and distinctive black and white markings. One of the world's rarest dolphins they are endemic to the coastal regions of New Zealand. The largest populations live on the east and west coasts of the South Island, most notably on Banks Peninsula and Te Waewae Bay while smaller local groups are scattered along South Island coasts.
The kea is the world's only alpine parrot. They are best seen in Arthur's Pass National Park, Mount Cook (either in the Tasman or Hooker Valleys) and on the Milford Sound Road at Homer Tunnel. Renowned for their mischievous tendencies they are often responsible for demolishing vinyl ski tow seats and windscreen wipers and for raiding remote huts in search of food.
Itinerary
The itinerary shown is an example of this self-drive holiday. We have a wide choice of hotels and a variety of route recommendations which can be tailored to your requirements. Please discuss with our Travel Specialists who can put together a bespoke itinerary for you.
Days 1-2 Auckland
On arrival in Auckland you'll be met and transferred to your city hotel. Known as the 'City of Sails', Auckland's bustling shopping district, chic waterfront bars and restaurants combine with the city's sights, such as the Harbour Bridge and the distinctive Sky Tower, which offers inspiring views of the city and its stunning surrounds.
The following day, enjoy a visit to the nature reserve of Tiritiri Matangi Island. Surrender your senses to the beauty and magic of this island, situated in the Hauraki Gulf just a 75 minute ferry trip from Auckland. From the moment you step onto the island to the moment you leave, you will be entranced by the serenade of gentle birdsong and the lush native bush. Tiritiri Matangi Island is one of the world's most successful conservation projects and features some of New Zealand's most endangered birds, such as the takahe, bellbird and kokako as well as other rare wildlife in their natural habitat. The guided walks provide expert commentary on both the animal life and the historical and archaeological features of the island. Please note this tour only operates Wed, Thur, Fri, Sat & Sun.
On arrival in Auckland you'll be met and transferred to your city hotel. Known as the 'City of Sails', Auckland's bustling shopping district, chic waterfront bars and restaurants combine with the city's sights, such as the Harbour Bridge and the distinctive Sky Tower, which offers inspiring views of the city and its stunning surrounds.
The following day, enjoy a visit to the nature reserve of Tiritiri Matangi Island. Surrender your senses to the beauty and magic of this island, situated in the Hauraki Gulf just a 75 minute ferry trip from Auckland. From the moment you step onto the island to the moment you leave, you will be entranced by the serenade of gentle birdsong and the lush native bush. Tiritiri Matangi Island is one of the world's most successful conservation projects and features some of New Zealand's most endangered birds, such as the takahe, bellbird and kokako as well as other rare wildlife in their natural habitat. The guided walks provide expert commentary on both the animal life and the historical and archaeological features of the island. Please note this tour only operates Wed, Thur, Fri, Sat & Sun.
Days 3 Auckland - Whitianga, Coromandel
Collect your rental car from the city depot and drive to the seaside township of Whitianga on the Coromandel Peninsula, a region filled with rainforest-clad gorges and pohutukawa-fringed beaches, such as Cathedral Cove.
Collect your rental car from the city depot and drive to the seaside township of Whitianga on the Coromandel Peninsula, a region filled with rainforest-clad gorges and pohutukawa-fringed beaches, such as Cathedral Cove.
Day 4 Whitianga, Coromandel
Explore at your leisure today, perhaps enjoying a soak in the thermal springs on Hot Water Beach, or a kayaking adventure at Cathedral Cove. Coromandel Town, at the northernmost part of the peninsula, is also worth a visit, with wonderful restaurants, bars and local craft shops on offer.
Explore at your leisure today, perhaps enjoying a soak in the thermal springs on Hot Water Beach, or a kayaking adventure at Cathedral Cove. Coromandel Town, at the northernmost part of the peninsula, is also worth a visit, with wonderful restaurants, bars and local craft shops on offer.
Day 5 Whitianga, Coromandel - Napier
This morning continue your journey along the Pacific Coast to Napier, New Zealand's Art Deco capital, for a 2-night stay. Napier is set in the heart of Hawke's Bay Wine Country and is best known for its Art Deco architecture. The city was rebuilt in the early 1930s, following a major earthquake and subsequent fires which destroyed most of its commercial heart. Nowhere else can you see such a variety of buildings in the styles of the 1930s - Stripped Classical, Spanish Mission and Art Deco - in such a concentrated area.
This morning continue your journey along the Pacific Coast to Napier, New Zealand's Art Deco capital, for a 2-night stay. Napier is set in the heart of Hawke's Bay Wine Country and is best known for its Art Deco architecture. The city was rebuilt in the early 1930s, following a major earthquake and subsequent fires which destroyed most of its commercial heart. Nowhere else can you see such a variety of buildings in the styles of the 1930s - Stripped Classical, Spanish Mission and Art Deco - in such a concentrated area.
Day 6 Napier
Today enjoy a half day tour to the world's largest, most accessible gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers. You will travel through the stunning scenery of Cape Kidnappers Station, traversing riverbeds, broad rolling pastures, through stands of native bush, steep gullies and breathtaking inclines. Enjoy panoramic views of Hawke's Bay right across to the Mahia peninsula before arrival at the gannet colony where your guide will share fascinating facts about these eye-catching birds. Please note during May-August when the gannets are overseas a scenic safari tour is included.
Today enjoy a half day tour to the world's largest, most accessible gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers. You will travel through the stunning scenery of Cape Kidnappers Station, traversing riverbeds, broad rolling pastures, through stands of native bush, steep gullies and breathtaking inclines. Enjoy panoramic views of Hawke's Bay right across to the Mahia peninsula before arrival at the gannet colony where your guide will share fascinating facts about these eye-catching birds. Please note during May-August when the gannets are overseas a scenic safari tour is included.
Prices and Departures
Price from £4,459 excluding flights
Airfares start from around £825 per person and are quoted separately to the holiday price. When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
What's Included
- Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom (mix of hotels, motels, B&B's and wilderness lodges)
- 16 breakfasts, 3 dinners
- Car rental throughout including GPS
- Private airport transfer on arrival
- Interislander ferry (Premium Plus cabin)
- Return ferry between Bluff and Stewart Island
- TranzAlpine rail journey from Christchurch to Greymouth
- Tiritiri Matangi Island tour
- Half day privately guided walk in the Coromandel
- Gannet Safari Tour
- Kapiti Island overnight kiwi spotting tour
- Kaikoura whale watching
- Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise
- Full day Birding Bonanza tour on Ulva Island
- Penguin Place Conservation tour
- 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
- No surcharge guarantee
- Full financial protection
This itinerary starts from £4,459 per person, based on 2 sharing a room in a mix of hotels, motels, B&Bs and lodges, and vehicle rental with GPS.
- Prices may vary depending on departure date. Please contact us for a detailed quote based on your preferred travel dates, vehicle category and style of accommodation, or to tailor this itinerary.
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Tailor made trips
As independent destination specialists, we are able to tailor make holidays to suit you, be that customising the itineraries shown on this website or creating something bespoke.
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We believe travel is about finding the right balance between minimising our impact on the environment and broadening minds through new experiences and cultural interaction.
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