natural history of Aotearoa
Stunning landscapes, lush vegetation, unique wildlife and friendly people make Aotearoa New Zealand a paradise for nature lovers.
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Wildlife Travel leaflet New Zealand 2026
Dates
7th-27th January 2026
two places left
Leader
Michael Blencowe with Mark Hanger
Price
£6,150
Single Room Supplement – £995
Included
Local transport as specified in itinerary. Twenty nights accommodation, full board.
Not included
Flights to Auckland/from Dunedin. Optional excursions. Refreshments. Gratuities. Travel insurance. Visa costs. Covid tests and associated costs.
Group size
Minimum 6, maximum 14.
Aotearoa New Zealand is a remarkable assemblage of islands, stretching from the subtropics in the north to the subantarctic in the south. This holiday has been planned to enable us to see a very wide range of the ecological diversity that occurs in the islands, starting far enough north in North Island to see mangroves and the huge Kauri trees and ending on Stewart Island/Rakiura off the southern tip of South Island, the magical climax of the trip.
Whether it’s birds or botany, landscapes or general natural history, this holiday has something for everyone. We will explore a wide range of habitats with the scenic backdrop of New Zealand’s spectacular landscapes. Along the way the highlights of this trip should include the endangered birdlife of Tiritiri Matangi, where North Island Saddleback, Stitchbird, Takahe and North Island Kokako will entertain us; the ancient Kauri forests of the Waitakere Ranges; the spectacular peaks and glaciers of Mount Cook National Park, with alpine flora and the critically endangered Black Stilt; albatrosses, dolphins and Sperm Whales out from Kaikoura; the spectacular scenery of Milford Sound; and the chance to see two species of bizarre crepuscular kiwis, including the famous South Island Brown Kiwis of Stewart Island/Rakiura.
Our foremost objective is, of course, to enjoy the incredible variety of scenery and wildlife, but the holiday offers much more than that for those who are keen to learn more. The leaders have extensive knowledge of the fauna and flora and will be able to offer detailed information about the wildlife of a country where more than 90% of the native plants and animals are endemic to Oceania.
Download trip report
Please note that holidays change, although sometimes only slightly, from year to year and previous trip reports may not reflect the planned itinerary, or other holiday details, for the current trip. Please ask us if you would like to know of any significant differences.
Day 1 Our holiday starts in Auckland, where we will meet up with our local guides and transfer an hour north to the Whangaparoa peninsula.
Day 2 We visit Tiritiri Matangi, a predator-free island in the Hauraki Gulf, home to coastal pohutukawa forest and an ‘ark’ for endangered birds such as North Island Saddleback, North Island Kokako, Takahe, Brown Teal and Stitchbird. An evening visit takes us to Tawharanui Regional Park, where a predator-free reserve is home to that icon of New Zealand, the North Island Brown Kiwi.
Day 3 We head westwards, to visit the majestic ancient Kauri forests in the Waitakere Ranges. Once widespread in the north, just 150 hectares remain of pristine forest, containing three species of tree ferns and some of the world’s largest trees: an excellent introduction to New Zealand’s lowland forests. Later, we will visit a busy Australasian Gannet colony, before returning to Auckland.
Day 4 We visit the Mangere inlet, a vital area for wading birds, including huge wintering flocks of Bar-tailed Godwit and Red Knot and good numbers of the bizarre Wrybill. As we continue southwards: the landform abruptly changes as we climb onto the central North Island volcanic plateau. At Waimangu Valley, we will see the impact of the major Tarawera eruption of 1886 and the successive lesser periods of activity.
Day 5 We visit one of the finest tracts of lush podocarp rainforest in the country to experience the original ‘dinosaur forests’ that have changed little over 100 million years. The Rimu-dominated forest here is perhaps the finest in the country, and as well as the wonderful flora we can expect to find more of New Zealand’s native birdlife, hopefully including North Island Robin, New Zealand Kaka, Yellow-crowned Parakeet and the diminutive Rifleman. We then continue southwards to the three high volcanic peaks of Tongariro National Park.
Day 6 We explore this, the oldest national park in New Zealand, and spend the day on the slopes of the highest peak, Mount Ruapehu. The area is an excellent one in which to study the impact of volcanism on subalpine and montane vegetation. There will be an opportunity to seek out the endangered Blue Duck while in this region.
Day 7 We head down off the volcanic plateau, and continue south. At the Forest & Bird Bushy Park Reserve we will learn of the conservation efforts that have been undertaken there over the years. Endangered species such as Stitchbird and North Island Saddleback have been reintroduced, while spectacular rata forest and wetlands make the reserve a fascinating place to walk and explore.
Day 8 Continuing south, we arrive at New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington, where we embark on the three-hour ferry crossing to Picton in the South Island. The scenery is spectacular and we should see our first albatrosses along the way.
Day 9 At the head of nearby Wairau Valley lies the Nelson Lakes National Park. The beautiful Lakes Rotoiti and Rotoroa nestle amongst the northern peaks of the Southern Alps. Today we will enjoy short walks in the enchanting forest surrounding the lakes and keep eyes peeled for the diversity of birdlife here. The more energetic may walk up through the forest beyond the treeline and out into the subalpine tussocklands for breathtaking panoramas of the national park’s mountains and lakes.
Day 10 We travel down the Motueka Valley and onwards to North West Nelson. The Graham Valley provides the easiest access to the recently formed Kahurangi National Park: perhaps the most botanically diverse in the country.
Day 11 The journey today takes us back east. A study of alpine scree and rock outcrop vegetation begins with a trip to the summit of Blackbirch. If the plants do not take your breath away the panoramic views are sure to! Mid-afternoon return again to sea level and continue to Kaikoura.
Day 12 Kaikoura is famed for its whales and seabirds. An optional whale- watching trip, should enable viewing of Sperm Whales, as well as large schools of acrobatic Dusky Dolphins and a wide array of seabirds, including six species of albatross. You may also opt for the spectacular albatross and seabird trip, which focuses more on bird watching. For those who prefer to stay on dry land, today will be a day to explore the town at your own pace.
Day 13 A travel day, we depart along the rugged and moody Kaikoura coast for the Canterbury Plains. Beyond beckon the raw young mountains of the Southern Alps. Then it is on to the sharply-contrasting Mackenzie Country, a vast dry intermontane basin with three large glacial lakes. There should be time for those wishing to take an optional flight over Mount Cook National Park and the highest peaks and glaciers of the Southern Alps, before we arrive at Lake Ohau.
Day 14 The walk along the trail through the spectacular Hooker Valley, at the foot of Mount Cook, enables us to study the changes in vegetation on successive moraines as the Hooker and Mueller Glaciers are reached. Giant Mount Cook buttercups, Golden Spaniards and subalpine shrubs abound amidst unforgettable landscapes. After our exertions, we descend past Lake Pukaki to Ohau. This area is home to one of New Zealand’s rarest birds, the Black Stilt, and we will spend some time looking for this critically endangered wader on the braided river and lake shore.
Day 15 We leave the Mackenzie Basin and Waitaki Valley and cross the Lindis Pass, the gateway to Central Otago, a great fragmented schist plateau that now appears as a series of block mountain ranges. A region of climatic extremes, the dry core of New Zealand is also home to a vast array of cushion alpine tussock species. This afternoon is spent on the Old Man Range near Alexandra, typical of the block mountains of Otago, and its extremes of climate have produced a cushion flora unsurpassed elsewhere. Snowbank vegetation is also seen here.
Day 16 To the west of Queenstown lies the Fiordland World Heritage Area. Glacially gouged valleys and lakes nestle between range upon range of mountains. We devote the next two days to appreciating this, the grandest and most rugged part of New Zealand. After travelling to Lake Te Anau on the eastern edge of the park we continue into the Eglinton Valley, famed for its superb red beech forests and forest birds, including the shy Yellowhead.
Day 17 The upper Hollyford Valley through which the famed Milford Road passes contains superb boulder fields and herb fields. Our day is devoted to discovering this botanical treasure trove in the Darran Mountains: enjoying nature in such awesome surroundings is guaranteed to put all in perspective. There will be time for an afternoon cruise to the fjord entrance.
Day 18 Alas we must leave this wild land and cross the southern South Island to Invercargill from where we take the ferry across the Fouveaux Strait to New Zealand’s third island, Stewart Island. Our afternoon will be spent exploring the forest and coastal tracks in the vicinity of the village.
Day 19 We discover the grand diversity of life on this, the least modified of the three main islands of New Zealand, and take a short boat trip across Paterson Inlet to near-pristine Ulva Island. This evening there is an optional excursion to seek out the South Island Brown Kiwi on their favoured secluded beaches on the southern side of Paterson Inlet, returning to the hotel in the small hours!
Day 20 We take the ferry back to the mainland and drive to Dunedin via the forgotten corner of New Zealand, the Catlins with some of the finest coastal scenery and lowland forests in the country. Endemic species inhabit coastal cliffs, below which New Zealand Fur Seals breed. Beyond, lush forests, tropical in character, run down to superb sweeping sandy beaches with not a soul in sight.
Day 21 A free morning to discover some of historic Dunedin’s special attractions before our farewell lunch after which the holiday ends. There are afternoon flights north to Auckland, where you can connect with international flights home.
Please note that the itinerary may be changed to suit the weather or other practicalities at the discretion of the leaders.
All accommodation is of a very comfortable standard and all rooms have en-suite accommodation. In most locations it is average to good standard, 3 star equivalent, although higher than this on occasion.
All meals are included in the holiday price, with the exception of lunch and dinner on day 12, your free day in Kaikoura.
Transport will be by small bus or smaller vehicles if necessary.
Travel to New Zealand
International flights to/from New Zealand are not included in the holiday to allow you maximum flexibility in making your personal travel arrangements.
Time zone
New Zealand is twelve hours ahead of the UK at this time of year.
Entry requirements
If you hold a British passport you do not need a visa to enter New Zealand if you are a visitor staying less than six months. You do need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA). Your passport must have an expiry date at least three months after the day you plan to leave. If you are transiting another country on your way to or from New Zealand, check the entry requirements for that country.
New Zealand’s summer months are December to February, bringing high temperatures and sunshine. Days are long and sunny, nights are mild. Summer is an excellent time for walking in the bush and a variety of other outdoor activities. New Zealand has a relaxed lifestyle, so dress will be informal at all times. Bring comfortable clothing and anticipate a similar range of temperatures to Britain – it should be pleasantly warm/hot in the North Island but, as in all mountainous areas, expect some cold and windy weather in the Southern Alps. Rain is possible at all times. Comfortable footwear is essential – as it must be strong enough to withstand rough ground underfoot; walking boots or stout shoes are recommended. Likely temperature range is 10 C to 25 C.
This is an 21-day tour, stopping at several locations, and you therefore need to be generally fit and able to cope with ‘living out of a suitcase’ and frequent journeys between areas, with some long travel days.
On some days we will not be walking very far, but on others we will take longer walks. We do not do any strenuous hikes but we may be out for a few hours at a time on some days. Most walking will be at a slow pace to give us the time to enjoy the plants, scenery and wildlife. If you are a slow walker however, please ring us to discuss whether any of the walks will be a problem. All walks are, of course, optional, with less energetic options available.
To see the best of the flowers, it is necessary to walk on rougher ground and up small slopes. Comfortable footwear is essential, and it must be strong enough to withstand rough or rocky ground underfoot: walking boots or stout walking sandals are essential for all areas out of the towns.
The sun can be very strong and sun protection is essential. Personal travel insurance providing good medical cover is essential for this trip. Safety advice given by the leaders must be heeded at all times particularly when walking in the countryside. We will send you advice on health and safety issues before the tour.
You are recommended to wear a face mask (FFP2 or equivalent) in the airports and on all flights.