New Zealand · WILDLIFE

The 15 Best Wildlife Tours in New Zealand

36 tours  ·  from $28 a head

Kiwi, yellow-eyed penguins, albatross and a gannet colony you can drive onto. These 15 are priced, timed to the animals rather than to you, and clear about which ones are sanctuaries and which are wild.

Gannet Safaris Overland tour to Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony - Cliff-top viewpoints above Hawke’s Bay
Tour Reviews, Tours, Wildlife

Gannet Safaris Overland tour to Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony

1.Gannet Safaris Overland tour to Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 942 reviews · from $61Our pick

Drive across Cape Kidnappers Station to a gannet colony perched above Hawke’s Bay. Your guide shares stories about farming, local history, flora, and the birds. The three-hour trip includes rugged terrain, cliff-top viewpoints, coffee or tea, and close views of nesting gannets. Morning and afternoon departures are available.

“The Gannet Safari Overland was a special experience. The way to get there was adventurous on a gravel road with only us and a farmer. It took an hour to get to see the Gannets, worth it. The history of Cape Kidnappers well explained by our guide Marcus, informative and funny. Once arrived at the Gannet Colony, we were 1 meter away from thousands of Gannets, an amazing view (and smell). The views were spectacular, no rush, plenty of time to explore, watch, observe.. One of the best tours I had in NZ, definetly worth it.”

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Oamaru: Penguins Evening Viewing Ticket - What happens during the 90-minute visit
Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours in Dunedin, Wildlife, Wildlife in Dunedin

Oamaru: Penguins Evening Viewing Ticket

2.Penguins Evening Viewing Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 682 reviews · 1h 30m · from $28Best value

At the Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony, you’ll watch the world’s smallest penguins come ashore after fishing and hurry toward their nesting boxes. Local guides explain their biology, breeding, and conservation work during this 90-minute evening visit. Bring warm clothes, leave cameras and phones away, and arrive 10 minutes early.

“The tour was everything we expected and more. It was amazing to see the penguins' heads appear over the top of the beach and watch them scoot over through the tunnels into the safety of their nesting boxes. We were one of the last to leave and the guide spent time with us showing where the penguins were nesting and by being quiet we could see them so clearly. It was a magical experience.”

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Rotorua: The National Kiwi Hatchery Kiwi Encounter Tour - The one-hour route through kiwi care
Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Rotorua, Wildlife

Rotorua: The National Kiwi Hatchery Kiwi Encounter Tour

3.The National Kiwi Hatchery Kiwi Encounter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 671 reviews · 1 hour · from $44

Spend one hour with the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa at Rotorua’s Agrodome. An English-speaking guide such as Mya, Kai, Teresa, or Nico explains kiwi eggs, incubation, chick care, and release work. You may see adult kiwi in the nocturnal house all year, with eggs and chicks most likely from September to March. Your $44 ticket supports conservation.

“Theresa was a great guide! We even got to see a chicken Kiwi. It was sooo cute”

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Clearwater Wildlife Tours (small group 10max) Otago Peninsula - Cape Saunders farm and the fur seal colony
Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Dunedin, Wildlife, Wildlife in Dunedin

Clearwater Wildlife Tours (small group 10max) Otago Peninsula

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

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

Spend four hours exploring Cape Saunders and private conservation land from Dunedin with a maximum of 10 people. Guides such as Adrian, Ben, Quinn, Paula, and Ferg point out fur seals, sea lions, seabirds, and possibly yellow-eyed penguins. Binoculars, rain jackets, transport, water, and cookies are included.

“It was amazing and we saw baby seals playing, sea lions, various birds and yellow eyed penguins. We were very luck and saw one coming back from the ocean. The tour guide was very professional and knowledgeable. It was a great tour.”

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Milford Sound: Wildlife & Nature Cruises - Reaching the Milford Sound Visitor Terminal
Milford Sound Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours in Milford Sound, Wildlife

Milford Sound: Wildlife & Nature Cruises

5.Wildlife & Nature Cruises

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 513 reviews · 2 hours · from $92

Cruise the full length of Milford Sound for two hours aboard The Haven, The Mariner, or The Sovereign. Your skipper adjusts the route for weather and wildlife, while guides such as Aiden share stories about Fiordland. Expect close waterfall views, outdoor decks, indoor lounges, a cafe, and chances to spot seals, dolphins, and penguins.

“We toured Milford Sound onboard the Milford Haven. The boat was great with lots of space indoors and outdoors. Drinks and food onboard was at a reasonable price. The cruise of the Sound was one of our highlights of our New Zealand trip. Gorgeous scenery everywhere and we were blessed with great weather.”

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Guided Evening Penguin Viewing Otago Peninsula, Dunedin, New Zealand - The 300-metre walk to the viewing platform
Guided, Tour Reviews, Tours in Dunedin, Wildlife, Wildlife in Dunedin

Guided Evening Penguin Viewing Otago Peninsula, Dunedin, New Zealand

6.Guided Evening Penguin Viewing Otago Peninsula, Dunedin, New Zealand

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 471 reviews · from $34

Meet at Blue Penguins Pukekura for a 90-minute evening visit to Otago Peninsula’s largest little blue penguin colony. Guides including Leon and Shane explain local Māori and European history, penguin behavior, and conservation before leading you to an open viewing platform. Watch penguins pass within a few metres, with no flash photography and no transport included.

“Amazing experience a must do ! Very informative presentation and a short walk down to the beach viewing point that does not disturb the little blue penguins 🐧 at all. A very enjoyable experience”

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Wildlife Sea Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura - Paddling beside the Kaikoura Peninsula
Canoes & Kayaks, Canoes & Kayaks in Kaikoura, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Kaikoura, Wildlife, Wildlife in Kaikoura

Wildlife Sea Kayaking Tour – Kaikoura

7.Wildlife Sea Kayaking Tour – Kaikoura

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

Spend about three hours with Kaikoura Kayaks, including 1.5 hours on the water, paddling from the Kaikoura Peninsula toward the seal colony. Guides such as Loz, Cam, Brad, Emma, and Rosie offer safety tips and wildlife insight. You may see fur seals, seabirds, blue penguins, dolphins, or seasonal whales, but only seals are a reliable sighting.

“Relaxing time on the sea, paddling to see seals and enjoying live comment on natural wild life from the guide”

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Seal Kayaking Adventure in Kaikoura - Setting out from 18 Beach Road
Canoes & Kayaks, Canoes & Kayaks in Kaikoura, Tour Reviews, Tours in Kaikoura, Wildlife, Wildlife in Kaikoura

Seal Kayaking Adventure in Kaikoura

8.Seal Kayaking Adventure in Kaikoura

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 422 reviews · from $83

Explore Kaikoura’s coast in a small group aboard an easy foot-pedal kayak. Guides such as Logan, Eva, Connor, and Emma share local wildlife knowledge while you look for fur seals, dolphins, seabirds, and the occasional blue penguin. Choose a seal-spotting or sunset departure. The three-hour tour returns to 18 Beach Road.

“Great kayaking trip! Saw a bunch of seals and overall had a really nice time on the water in Kaikōura.”

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Kaikoura: Half-Day Wildlife Kayaking Tour - Meeting the guides and getting ready
Canoes & Kayaks, Canoes & Kayaks in Kaikoura, Half-Day, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Kaikoura, Wildlife, Wildlife in Kaikoura

Kaikoura: Half-Day Wildlife Kayaking Tour

9.Half-Day Wildlife Kayaking Tour

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

Join Kaikoura Kayaks for a three-hour coastal outing with 1.5 to 2 hours on the water. Guides such as Cam, Emma, Holt, Loz, and Ollie provide safety help and wildlife commentary as you paddle near fur seals, with possible dusky dolphins and blue penguins. No kayaking experience is needed, but you must be at least 13.

“Fantastic few hours out on the water. Guides were so lovely and knowledgeable.”

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Rotorua: 6 Ziplines, Swing-Bridges & Wildlife Encounters - Six lines, with the 220-metre ride as the payoff
Tour Reviews, Tours in Rotorua, Wildlife, Zip Lines

Rotorua: 6 Ziplines, Swing-Bridges & Wildlife Encounters

10.6 Ziplines, Swing-Bridges & Wildlife Encounters

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

Join two guides for a 2.5-hour Rotorua canopy adventure with six ziplines, swing bridges, and treetop platforms up to 22 metres high. The course builds from gentle to thrilling, with a 220-metre longest line and speeds up to 50km/h. Warm gear, rain gear, safety equipment, and free photos are included. Native birds and conservation stories make this more than a standard zipline ride.

“This was an amazing experience. I cannot recommend it highly enough! The guides were excellent and, as I was a very nervous first-timer, they took very good care of me. The safety and security of participants was top priority. The conservation information and work that they are doing was very useful and informative. I will definitely remember this trip as one of the best in NZ.”

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Napier: Cape Kidnappers Gannet, Nature & Sightseeing Tour - Forest, farm, and predator control along the route
City Tours, City Tours in Napier, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Napier, Wildlife

Napier: Cape Kidnappers Gannet, Nature & Sightseeing Tour

11.Cape Kidnappers Gannet, Nature & Sightseeing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 317 reviews · 3 hours · from $59

Travel from Te Awanga by air-conditioned 4x4 coach to Cape Kidnappers, where about 20,000 gannets gather from September to early April. Your English-speaking guide, including guides such as Jan, Marcus, Tom, or Trevor, shares local Maori stories, conservation facts, and farm history. No walking is required, and light refreshments are included.

“loved it and the guide was amazing. Remember to bring warm clothes as it's super windy up there”

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Kiwi Park Queenstown Admission - Walk the native bush and smaller exhibits
Tour Reviews, Tours in Queenstown, Wildlife

Kiwi Park Queenstown Admission

12.Kiwi Park Queenstown Admission

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 306 reviews · from $39

Spend 2 to 3 hours at Kiwi Birdlife Park in central Queenstown. Walk through native bush, see kiwi in a dark nocturnal house, meet a tuatara, and attend conservation shows with free audio commentary. The park sits beside the gondola and works well on a cool or rainy day.

“Great park. Well with going to the kiwi show and the other show too. Beautiful grounds, convenient location. Highly recommended.”

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Island Hopper Day Cruise - sailing to wildlife sanctuary island - 6 hr cruise - The catamaran experience and crew
Cruises & Boat Tours, Sailing, Sailing in Paihia, Tour Reviews, Tours in Paihia, Wildlife

Island Hopper Day Cruise – sailing to wildlife sanctuary island – 6 hr cruise

13.Island Hopper Day Cruise – sailing to wildlife sanctuary island – 6 hr cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 301 reviews · from $139

Spend six hours sailing from Paihia among the Bay of Islands’ 144 islands. Barefoot Sailing Adventures combines a small-group catamaran trip with a two-hour stop at a wildlife sanctuary island, where you can snorkel, paddleboard, swim, hike, or relax. Luke and his crew provide local stories, lunch, tea, and equipment.

“Awesome day on the catamaran with knowledgeable, helpful staff. Luke and Nero were great. Encourage anyone do do this tour.”

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Seal Coast Safari - Exclusive access to Wellington's secret coast - Otari-Wilton’s Bush brings native plants into the picture
Tour Reviews, Tours in Wellington, Wildlife

Seal Coast Safari – Exclusive access to Wellington’s secret coast

14.Seal Coast Safari – Exclusive access to Wellington’s secret coast

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 294 reviews · from $121

Spend 3.5 hours leaving Wellington by comfortable 4WD Mercedes van, visiting Otari-Wilton’s Bush, crossing private Terawhiti Station, and watching fur seals near Karori Rock lighthouse. Guides such as Sara, Grant, Hamish, and Chewy add local history, wildlife knowledge, snacks, and easy hotel or cruise pickup.

“We love nature and Grant did a fantastic job taking us through the botany garden and about time. The highlight is the ocean and the fur seals. We could of spent all day there. Just beautiful and amazing to see the critters without a care it the world. By the way I found Willson, the ball that entertained Tom Hanks in Cast Away.”

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Seal Swimming Tour from Kaikoura - Getting ready for the water
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Seal Swimming Tour from Kaikoura

15.Seal Swimming Tour from Kaikoura

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 276 reviews · from $98

Meet at Gooches Beach Playground in Kaikoura, suit up with the included wetsuit and snorkel gear, then take a short boat ride to shallow seal habitat. Your guides explain local marine life and help you watch seals from a respectful distance. The 2.5-hour trip suits reasonably fit swimmers and includes hot showers afterward.

“My husband and I went on at least ten tours throughout New Zealand, and this one, by far, was my favorite. The equipment provided was wonderful, the staff super helpful in guiding us to high seal traffic areas, and this trip gave us thRead more”

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New in Wildlife

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★ 4.9Pohatu Penguins Scenic Nature 2-Hour or 4-Hour TourFrom $56125 reviews
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★ 4.5Sail, Seals, and Walk Tour in Abel TasmanFrom $8334 reviews
★ 5.0Sunrise wildlife sea kayaking in Akaroa marine reserveFrom $96123 reviews
★ 5.0Otago Peninsula In-Depth Tour & Blue Penguins Pukekura ExperienceFrom $102163 reviews
★ 4.5Motuara Wildlife Sanctuary Tour and Dolphin Cruise from PictonFrom $104180 reviews
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