New Zealand Bus Travel and Activities
NZ WILDLIFE
New Zealand has some amazing wildlife – 90% of New Zealand’s insects, 80% of trees, 25% of birds and 100% of reptiles (lizards and frogs as well as the tuatara which is 225 million years old and a throwback to the dinosaurs), are only found in NZ. Almost half of the world’s marine mammals visit or live in New Zealand’s waters. We try and get you to see as much of these animals as possible without compromising their or your own safety.
Whangarei
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We visit the Native Bird Recovery Centre in Whangarei, which is a privately run centre that looks after hurt and sick wild birds. It is the best opportunity to get up close to a real Kiwi bird.
Stewart Island
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There is amazing birdlife on this island and the neighbouring Ulva island which is a native bird sanctuary free of all predators. There are birds here that you won’t be able to see anywhere else in the world. There is also great fishing – and some real wildlife at the local pub!
Catlins
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We drive through the Catlins wilderness area and take in the petrified forest and heaps of wildlife including seals, sea lions, yellow eyed penguins, hector dolphins large seabirds (sometimes huge albatross with 6 foot wingspans!)
Kaikoura
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Kaikoura is a marine wildlife mecca! You can head out seal spotting, dolphin swimming or whale watching and you can check out sperm whales, humpback whales, orcas, denby dolphins, hector dolphins, crayfish, seals, albatross – pretty much the whole food chain!
Abel Tasman National Park
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While you’re out on the water sailing or kayaking you can often spot dolphins and seals as you glide by (cool eh!)
Auckland
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In Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf there are 23 different varieties of marine mammals – you can check them out on the Auckland Dolphin and Whale Safari day trip as it cruises from the Auckland harbour through all the islands. You can also visit Rangitoto Island or Tiritiri Matangi which is a bird sanctuary free of predators.
