Wildlife

Isolation gave New Zealand birds and sea life found nowhere else. Many native species are rare, so the best places to see them are sanctuaries, offshore islands and protected coasts.

Where to go

• Kaikōura Sperm whales, dusky dolphins and fur seals.
• Otago Peninsula Royal albatross and yellow-eyed penguins.
• Zealandia, Wellington Native birds minutes from the city.
• Rakiura / Stewart Island Kiwi in the wild.
• Akaroa Hector’s dolphins, among the world’s smallest.
• Tiritiri Matangi An open bird sanctuary island near Auckland.

Good to know

Keep your distance from seals and sea lions (at least 20 metres), never feed wildlife, and keep dogs away from beaches where birds nest.