Natural spectacles and unique wildlife encounters are two of New Zealand's best attractions. There are few places in the world where you can experience mountain vistas, ancient forests, volcanic landscapes and stunning coastline within the space of one day - all whilst spotting New Zealand wildlife as you go.
Whale watching
You can spot whales throughout New Zealand, including Auckland's beautiful Hauraki Gulf and the wonderful Kaikoura.
Auckland is privileged to witness whales at play in the beautiful Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. Part of the Pacific Ocean, the Hauraki Gulf covers an area of 4000 km² surrounding the Auckland and Coromandel regions. The critically endangered Bryde’s whale is a species that calls the Hauraki Gulf home. Incredibly, over 25 of the 37 southern hemisphere marine mammals have been identified in the area, which makes up almost a third of the world’s population of these species.
Kaikoura, on the east coast of the South Island, is one of the only places in the world where you can easily see sperm whales. The resident population of sperm whales at Kaikoura can be seen all year round. Orca (killer whales) may be seen from December to March, and humpback whales in June and July.
Dolphins
Swimming with one of New Zealand's many dolphin species is considered one of the country's best experiences.
Dolphins are large, gentle, intelligent creatures who seem to seek out human company, playing, frolicking, even communicating. When you encounter them, swimming or diving, and you spend time with them, you leave entranced, enthralled and, yes, humbled that you had this incredible encounter. You feel privileged.
There are many dolphin watching and swimming tours. They are all different but the encounters are never less than special. And, to reassure you, the cruise operators take extraordinary care to make sure that the dolphins are not harmed. In many operations part of the tour price goes towards dolphin conservation.
Horse Riding
There is no better way to negotiate the ruggedly beautiful wilderness of New Zealand than on horseback.
Horse Trekking is one of the best ways to truly explore New Zealand – from beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see, to snow-capped volcanoes and enchanting native forests. Riding on horseback allows you to get back to nature and enjoy the solitude and harmony of the New Zealand wilderness.
There’s a multitude of horse trekking experiences on offer in New Zealand. Choose from coastal treks along white-sand beaches in Northland or ride under the shadows of snow-topped dormant volcanoes in Ruapehu. If you’re a Middle‑earth fan, head to Glenorchy in the South Island which offers horse trekking amongst turquoise lakes and the towering peaks of the Southern Alps.
Penguins
New Zealand has three species of penguin. You cannot help but be charmed by these amazing birds that have a character all of their own. On the land penguins have an ungainly waddle, marching upright like self-important little people. But in the water they take on a new grace, diving and swooping with acrobatic agility.
Of New Zealand's species, the korora, or little blue penguin, is the world’s smallest penguin. You’ll find these little birds, usually when they come ashore at night, in the Marlborough Sounds, Akaroa Harbour, Oamaru, Dunedin and Stewart Island.
Bird Watching
Before man arrived, New Zealand was a world of birds and plants. Here you will find some of the world's most unique birdlife. Birds are still some of the most colourful inhabitants in the country and New Zealand is a bird-watchers', or twitchers', paradise.
The country’s most famous bird is of course our national emblem, the kiwi. About the size of a domestic hen, it has an extremely long beak and plumage that is more like hair than feathers. Though endangered, the nocturnal kiwi can still be seen in the wild in Northland and on Stewart Island. You can also see kiwi birds at wildlife enclosures throughout the country.
Volcanic & geothermal
Explore places that have been shaped and coloured by volcanic and geothermal forces for thousands of years. Watch boiling mud pools and feel the heat underfoot from landscapes that hiss with steam.
This area centres around Rotorua, stretching south to the mountains of Tongariro National Park then east to Bay of Plenty’s White Island – an active and accessible volcano island. In and around Rotorua sneaky threads of steam drift upward from parks, river banks and drains. The unmistakeable scent of sulphur wafts through the air. Minutes from the city centre, geysers of boiling water roar from the ground and pools of bubbling mud gurgle and belch.
Gardens
If you're a keen gardener you will enjoy your visit to New Zealand. A diverse range of plants, both native and exotic, thrive in New Zealand’s temperate climate.
Many cities and towns have garden tours where you can visit botanic gardens and private gardens alike with the gardeners sharing their love of what they grow and how they grow it. The rural garden tours of Eastland, Manawatu, Whanganui, Wairarapa and Christchurch - Canterbury are often hosted by residents of stately historic homesteads. Visit Kerikeri’s Palmco Gardens and wander through lush sub-tropical splendour. At Matakana’s Villa Tamahunga you’ll see a unique garden that includes olive grove, beautiful bush walks, subtropical pond gardens, rose walk and a sequence of three formally designed terrace gardens below the relocated villa.
If you feel inspired to visit New Zealand, check out our New Zealand holidays here.
