Category Wildlife

New Zealand · WILDLIFE

12 Wildlife Tours in New Zealand, Compared

12 reviewed

Clearwater Wildlife Tours (small group 10max) Otago Peninsula

Clearwater Wildlife Tours (small group 10max) Otago Peninsula - Your Half-Day Timeline, What Happens When You Are on the Ground

1.Clearwater Wildlife Tours (small group 10max) Otago Peninsula

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 531 reviews · from $139Our pick

Small group Otago Peninsula wildlife tour to Cape Saunders seals and sea lions, with chances to see yellow-eyed penguins, plus binoculars and rain gear.

“The best part of our trip was this excursion! Loved seeing the seals in their natural habitat. The views are spectacular! Our driver was very knowledgeable and friendly. We were able to see a yellow eyed penguin waaayyyy off in the distance on the beach. The sea lions laying on the beautiful beach were fun to see, whipping sand onthemselves to keep cool. Lots of birds to see also. I love beaches and oceans!”

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Wildlife Sea Kayaking Tour – Kaikoura

Wildlife Sea Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura - The 3-hour rhythm: paddling time, start time, and why 15 minutes matters

2.Wildlife Sea Kayaking Tour – Kaikoura

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 467 reviews · from $99

Paddle Kaikoura’s marine reserve with a certified guide, spotting seals, seabirds, and possibly dolphins or penguins in 3 hours.

“Our guide, Yasmin, was wonderfully entertaining and informative. She did a great job keeping everyone together and safe out on the water.”

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Milford Sound: 2-Hour Wildlife & Nature Cruise

Milford Sound: 2-Hour Wildlife & Nature Cruise - Where you board at Milford Sound Visitor Terminal (and how to plan your time)

3.Milford Sound: 2-Hour Wildlife & Nature Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 418 reviews · from $85

A 2-hour Milford Sound wildlife cruise with live nature guiding, close-up waterfalls, and big views from every angle.

“The Cruise was fantastic!! We were lucky enough to have a stunning day. The Boat was beautiful as we had one of the older style boats. It was an amazing experience, lots of stunning views, fantastic commentary and not at all crowded. So worth every cent!!”

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Kaikoura: Half-Day Wildlife Kayaking Tour

Kaikoura: Half-Day Wildlife Kayaking Tour - Meeting in Kaikoura and getting your kayak ready

4.Kaikoura: Half-Day Wildlife Kayaking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 390 reviews · 3 hours · from $95

Kayak the Kaikoura coast for guaranteed seal viewing, plus chances at dolphins and blue penguins, with a short lesson and great guides.

“This activity is a must-do while you're in Kaikoura. A huge shout to our guide, Holt. He was a saviour. My son felt seasick in the middle of kataking and was unable to kayak anymore. Holt ensured his safety and pulled his katlyak and got my son to the shore safely. It's a huge effort on Holt's part and it is truly appreciated. Thanks you for an amazing experience.”

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Rotorua: 6 Ziplines, Swing-Bridges & Wildlife Encounters

Rotorua: 6 Ziplines, Swing-Bridges & Wildlife Encounters - Six ziplines, swing bridges, and treetop platforms, in practical terms

5.Rotorua: 6 Ziplines, Swing-Bridges & Wildlife Encounters

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 347 reviews · 150 - 210 minutes · from $118

Rotorua canopy zipline with six lines, swing bridges, 22 m platforms, and native bird encounters that support forest restoration.

“Ben and Mitch were fantastic funny, friendly, and incredibly supportive. It was our first time and they made it feel easy and judgment-free. Loved chatting with them and they were very knowledgeable. Couldn’t have asked for better guides.”

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Otago Peninsula Wildlife Cruise with Monarch

Otago Peninsula Wildlife Cruise with Monarch - Taiaroa Head: the royal albatross hot spot near the end of Otago Harbour

7.Otago Peninsula Wildlife Cruise with Monarch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 227 reviews · from $43

1-hour Monarch wildlife cruise from Dunedin to Taiaroa Head, with jackets and binoculars, plus chances to spot royal albatross and dolphins.

“This was a highlight for us on our trip to Dunedin. The drive out to the boat was spectacular, and our driver David was very entertaining and informative. The boat tour itself was brilliant, we saw so many albatross flying around the cliff side. It really was a sight to behold!”

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Small Group Daytime 2-Hour Eco Wildlife Tour at Zealandia

Small Group Daytime 2-Hour Eco Wildlife Tour at Zealandia - Visitor Centre intro at Te Mara a Tane, where the mission clicks

Albatross, seals, and sea birds-Wildlife Cruise

Albatross, seals, and sea birds-Wildlife Cruise - The boat setup: warm inside, photos outside

Motuara Wildlife Sanctuary Tour and Dolphin Cruise from Picton

Motuara Wildlife Sanctuary Tour and Dolphin Cruise from Picton - Dolphin and seal spotting in Queen Charlotte Sound and beyond

10.Motuara Wildlife Sanctuary Tour and Dolphin Cruise from Picton

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 180 reviews · from $104

Half-day Marlborough Sounds cruise from Picton to Motuara Island, spotting dolphins and fur seals, plus a guided, predator-free bird walk.

“This is more focused on birds and less on dolphins. Why we saw two dolphins. Fifteen minutes out of four hours was focused on the dolphins. Bird watching was outstanding. Many varieties. The island has a steep walk to the top The guide Will was outstanding. Extremely knowledgeable and fun. Dan the boat driver maneuvered the boat to allow everyone to view the birds.”

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Bay of Islands: Catamaran Sail, Wildlife Island & Lunch

Bay of Islands: Catamaran Sail, Wildlife Island & Lunch - Sailing through the Bay of Islands with a crew that keeps it real

Skip the Line: Franz Josef Wildlife Center Ticket with Optional Backstage Pass

Skip the Line: Franz Josef Wildlife Center Ticket with Optional Backstage Pass - Getting in smoothly: mobile ticket, parking, and your time window