21-Day New Zealand Birding Trip

Embark on an unforgettable 21-day birdwatching journey from Auckland to Christchurch, where we’ll be traversing New Zealand’s diverse landscapes in search of endemic and native species. Crafted by two birding experts and good friends Mandy (Hawaii Bird Tours) and Sav (Wrybill Birding Tours), the tour aims to see members of the six endemic New Zealand families – the kiwi (aiming at four taxa, plus hearing a fifth), the New Zealand parrots (Strigopoidea, aiming at both kaka subsp. and kea), the New Zealand wrens (aiming for both of the two extant species), the New Zealand wattlebirds (aiming for all of the three extant species), the newly revised stitchbird now in its own Family, the Notiomystidae, and the New Zealand creepers, the Mohouidae (all three species).

Our Birding tour trip list generally boasts around 155+ species, with around 65 endemic breeding species and 25 – 30 tubenose species. We consistently have the highest species tallies for any New Zealand birding tour, no one else even comes close, with the record set in November 2015 (172 species)!

Starting in Auckland, you’ll explore unique bird habitats in forested areas and rugged coastlines, including Australasian gannet colonies. You’ll sail from Marsden Cove to witness seabirds like Pycroft’s petrel and the rare fairy tern near Waipu. There’s always plenty of time to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Hauraki Gulf’s pelagic trips and we’ll pay a visit to the conservation triumph, Tiritiri Matangi Island, home to endemic species. Discover the unique blue duck in Turangi and explore the managed forests near Napier. Experience the wonder of Stewart Island with its rich birdlife, and cruise through the Southern Ocean for spectacular seabird sightings. Conclude your tour with breathtaking views and rare bird encounters in the Southern Alps and the arid Mackenzie basin. This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of New Zealand’s birdlife, with comfortable accommodations and expert guidance throughout. You’ll have time to enjoy New Zealand’s culture, scenery, history, food, laughs and wine… did we mention wine?

Key: B = Breakfast       L = Lunch       D = Dinner

DAY 1  L, D 

Auckland to Kerikeri (4 ½ hours driving)

We’ll pick-up you up at your accommodation in Auckland (as Auckland is a  large congested city, we suggest people stay at the Auckland Rose Park Hotel). One of our first stops may be at a forested area near to central Auckland where we will get an introduction to some of  New Zealand’s forest species, such as North Island tomtit, New Zealand pigeon, Gray Fantail, and  Gray Gerygone (Gray Warbler). Or we will head to a spot on the rugged west coast to one of New  Zealand’s three mainland Australasian gannet colonies. Here you can enjoy superb views and opportunities to snap some incredible landscape photos. We will also look for other common coastal species such as Pied Cormorant,  Red-Billed Gull, and White-fronted Tern. We will then head back across to the east coast, to several wetland areas to look for New Zealand scaup, New Zealand Grebe (Dabchick), Gray Teal, Australasian  Shoveler, Pacific Black Duck (Gray Duck), Paradise Shelduck, and other waterbirds. We will also spend time looking for Buff-banded Rail (Banded Rail) in likely mangrove habitat.

Continuing northwards we are heading for Kerikeri where we will check into our accommodation  and rest up for our post-dinner walk to look for Northern Brown Kiwi. We will certainly hear and may see Morepork as well. Then it is time for bed ahead of a busy day 2!

DAY 2 B, L, D 

Kerikeri to Waipu, Marsden Cove pelagic (3 hours driving)

This morning we will head south to a small harbor on the East Coast, called Marsden Cove. We aim to be boarding our first pelagic at around 1000, and heading out into the north-western part of the Hauraki Gulf. This pelagic is designed to specifically target Pycroft’s Petrel and Little Shearwater which breeds on nearby islands, but it also gives us our first shot at all the northern breeding seabirds. We will expect to see common  Diving-petrel, Buller’s, Flesh-footed, and Fluttering shearwaters, Fairy Prions, perhaps Gray-faced Petrel, plus Cook’s and Black petrel, and White-faced and the recently rediscovered New Zealand storm petrel (which Sav and Brent rediscovered in January 2003). This gives us our first chance to explore the northern waters, and is a quite scenic area as well with some beautiful islands and a  stunning coastline. We will stay overnight in the small coastal town of Waipu.

DAY 3 B, L, D 

Waipu to Warkworth (3 hours driving)

On the morning of day 3 we will head south to an estuary which is one of the last places to see the critically endangered Fairy Tern (currently only about 30-40 birds), as well as other shorebirds, including New Zealand Plover (NZ Dotterel), Variable Oystercatcher, Black-winged Stilt (Pied Stilt) and Arctic migrants such as Bar-tailed Godwit and Red Knot. Several estuarine areas further south may also be checked depending on time and whether we have been successful in finding Fairy Tern. Other areas close by can be checked for New Zealand Pipit and Australasian  Little Grebe, and we will also visit a forested coastal area for a chance to see some of our first endemic forest birds. It will be a relaxed day of birding, in a variety of habitats, before heading to our accommodation in Warkworth, where we will stay for two nights.

DAY 4 B, L, D 

Warkworth, Hauraki Gulf Pelagic (¾ hour driving)

Day 4 starts where we ended the previous day on the beautiful Hauraki Gulf, our second pelagic trip of the tour. Despite largely being in the same body of water as our first pelagic, there will almost certainly be some differences in the species seen, and having this second opportunity allows for differences in weather and sea conditions. Leaving from Sandspit we will head out towards Little Barrier Island and check out several locations nearby. The main focus of the day will be to again locate the seabirds which are most easily seen in the northern part of New Zealand, such as the New Zealand storm-petrel, as well as Black and Cook’s petrel,  Buller’s, Flesh-footed, Fluttering and Little shearwater, and White-faced storm-petrel. Depending on weather and conditions we may head out to a site where there is another Australasian gannet colony, and during late summer a roosting site for Gray Noddy (Gray Ternlet). Our eyes will not just be on the lookout for birds, as this area is also an excellent marine mammal habitat, with both common and bottle-nosed dolphins being possible, and occasionally in late summer Bryde’s whales. We end the day with another night spent at the same accommodation in Warkworth.

DAY 5 B, L, D 

Warkworth to Tiritiri Matangi Island (1 hour driving)

Get excited as today we will head to one of New Zealand’s most incredible birding locations! Tiritiri Matangi Island is truly a gem in New Zealand’s conservation crown. A short ferry ride out to the island should give us a chance to see Fluttering Shearwater,  White-fronted Tern, and possibly Parasitic Jaeger. Upon arrival, we will be met and given information about the island by Department of Conservation staff. Once farmed, the island is now an open sanctuary that has been extensively replanted, with some areas of original forest remaining. We will focus on seeing all of the endemics on the island, with North Island Saddleback,  Kokako, Stitchbird, Takahe, Brown Teal, and Red-crowned Parakeet being present. Other more common forest birds such as Whitehead, Tui, Bellbird, New Zealand Fantail, Gray Gerygone, and North  Island Robin will be seen, and we will also wait for Spotless Crake to appear at one of the small ponds.  After dinner, we will head out to look for more birds and hopefully see the Little Spotted Kiwi, as well as perhaps Tuatara, an endemic reptile related to the dinosaurs, and a Little Penguin as well.

The night will be spent in accommodation on the island, with this being limited to a communal  bunkhouse, with bunk beds in shared rooms. Although rustic the experience is well worth it, and  not to be missed. An overnight bag will be taken with minimal gear, and bedding will be provided, but due to the shared nature of the accommodations remember some nightwear.

DAY 6 B, L, D 

Tiritiri Matangi Island to Miranda (3 hours driving)

Getting up early will allow us to hear the dawn chorus, and we will leave Tiritiri Matangi mid-morning, heading south to one of New Zealand’s premier shorebird sites, the world-renowned Miranda, in the Firth of Thames. The Firth of Thames is listed under the Ramsar Convention as a wetland of International significance. We will check into our accommodation near Miranda, and then head to the Miranda Shorebird Centre to get information on the latest sightings and then head out to see what’s around for ourselves. We are likely to see Wrybill, Bar-tailed Godwit, Red Knot, Red-necked Stint, Ruddy Turnstone, New Zealand  Plover, Double-banded Plover (Banded Dotterel), Variable and South Island Pied Oystercatcher,  Black-winged Stilt, Black-billed Gull, and Caspian Tern.

During the summer months, there are usually a few of the less common shorebirds that visit our  shores, such as Sharp-tailed, Pectoral, Marsh, or Terek sandpiper, and we will be on the lookout for  these and other vagrants. Shorebird watching in this area is largely dependent on the tides, so we  will be working around the high tide and may visit other nearby areas if time permits. In the evening it is time to head back to our accommodation for dinner and some rest.

DAY 7 B, L, D 

Miranda to Turangi (4 hours driving)

Depending on the tides and successes at Miranda, we may head back early morning for another look on Day 7, before heading south towards the center of the North Island. We will likely make some quick stops along the way, however, our main focus for the day is the Pureora Forest Park to the west of Lake Taupo. This extensive area of forest is one of the best  places in the North Island to see New Zealand Kaka (North Island subsp.), Yellow-crowned Parakeet,  Long-tailed Koel (cuckoo), Shining bronze-Cuckoo, Rifleman, and we will also encounter other more common forest species. We will also be on the lookout for New Zealand Falcon, which inhabits this area, and New Zealand Pipit may be seen on the roads in the area. We will head to Turangi in the early evening to our accommodation.

DAY 8 B, L, D 

Turangi to Napier (4 hours driving)

On the morning of the eighth day we will concentrate our efforts around Turangi looking for our most extraordinary waterbird, the Blue Duck. Inhabiting swift-flowing mountain streams these birds have declined markedly, even at sites where they were reliable only a few years ago, and there are only a handful of locations where they can be seen without major hikes. We will visit several locations and spend time watching these remarkable birds.

We will then head east to a forested area between Taupo and Napier. As it is an intensively  managed site where introduced mammals are controlled and fauna and flora have been able to  flourish, we are likely to see more forest birds here than at other locations in the North Island. North  Island Robin, Kokako, and North Island Kaka have been reintroduced, and we should at least have a  chance of seeing these, as well as New Zealand Pigeon, Long-tailed Koel (cuckoo), Shining Bronze-cuckoo, Whitehead, Tomtit, Tui, Bellbird, and Rifleman. New Zealand Falcon and New Zealand  Fernbird are also in the area and we can spend time trying to locate both of these species.

We will then head down to Napier, where if time allows we will check out an estuarine area for  shorebirds, or several wetland areas for waterfowl and other species. Accommodation for the night  will either be in Napier or nearby Havelock North.

DAY 9 B, L, D 

Napier or Havelock North to Foxton (3 ½ hours driving). 

The focus for the morning of day 9 will depend a little on what we have or haven’t seen to date. There are locations for shorebirds, waterfowl and bittern, we can have a second go at forest species where we were the day before, or we can take it easy and head slowly across to the Manawatu region and head to the Manawatu Estuary for more views of wrybill and other shorebirds.

We will stay the night in Foxton, very close to the Manawatu Estuary, which is one of the best sites  in New Zealand for shorebird watching. Shorebirds at this location are often extremely confiding,  and we will see Bar-tailed Godwit, Red Knot, Variable Oystercatchers, and probably Wrybill. Depending on the state of the tide, and what’s around at the time, other birds like Pacific Golden Plover, Sharp-tailed or Curlew sandpipers, Ruddy Turnstone, and Red-necked Stint may be present.

DAY 10 B, L, D 

Foxton to Picton (3 hours driving)

Depending on tide times we will call into the Manawatu Estuary again. We will then head south along the scenic Kapiti Coast towards Wellington, making several stops on the way to see Black-fronted Dotterel and waterfowl.

The Interisland ferry leaves from Wellington, heading across to the South Island via the Cook Strait.  From the relatively stable platform of the ferry, this is an excellent piece of water to look for  seabirds, with approximately half of the three-hour trip spent in open water in the Cook Strait.  Spotted Shag, Fairy Prion, Fluttering Shearwater, and White-fronted Tern, should be seen, and  depending on weather conditions and prevailing winds New Zealand Wandering, White-capped, and Salvin’s albatross, Northern Giant-Petrel, Westland Petrel, and Sooty Shearwater are all possible.

Common Diving-petrel and Little Penguin are often seen near the entrance to the Marlborough Sounds, and the latter often in the calmer enclosed waters of the Sounds. Less common seabirds  are often seen within this stretch of water, as are dolphins, so it is well worth being on the lookout.

The ferry docks in Picton, and we have less than a 5-minute drive to our accommodation in Picton.

DAY 11 B, L, D 

Picton to Kaikoura (4 hours driving)

Today we head out onto the Marlborough Sounds, further exploring Queen Charlotte Sound. Our main target for the morning is the New Zealand King Shag, a  rare endemic with a population of only about 650 birds. We will also be looking for two dolphin species, the endangered endemic Hector’s dolphin, and the more common Dusky Dolphin, as well as Little Penguin, Fluttering Shearwater, Spotted Shag, and Australasian Gannet. New Zealand Fur Seals are also present.

We have the opportunity to make stops at two small island sanctuaries, where we will try for  Orange-fronted Parakeet, South Island Saddleback, South Island Robin, and other common forest  species such as New Zealand Pigeon and Bellbird.

Back in Picton at midday, we will grab some lunch and then head south towards Kaikoura, stopping  to eat along the way, and then visiting a coastal area to search for shorebirds. There are generally  Banded Dotterel, Black-winged Stilt, Black-billed Gulls, and sometimes other vagrant shorebirds. A  brief stop on the scenic coast just before Kaikoura will allow excellent views of New Zealand Fur  Seals and Spotted Shags, and enable us to ‘forecast’ sea conditions for the following days’ pelagic  trip. If time allows we will check the surrounding areas for the introduced Cirl Bunting, and after  dinner can head out to look for the introduced little owl in neighboring farmland.

We will spend the night in the once sleepy, but now bustling town of Kaikoura, where we will have  two nights in the same accommodation.

DAY 12 B, L, D 

Kaikoura, Albatross Encounter pelagic in the morning, afternoon at leisure

Today will be spent doing one of the great New Zealand pelagics. Due to the depth of the Kaikoura canyon just offshore,  we can be in water 4,000 m deep within half an hour, allowing us to really get amongst the seabirds, and although the species list varies throughout the year, in any season we can expect to have at least 3 species of albatross, normally as close as 5-6 feet away, including northern and  Southern Royal, New Zealand Wandering, Black-browed, Campbell, White-capped, and Salvin’s  Albatross. On top of this add Cape Petrel Westland and White-chinned petrels, Northern  Giant-Petrel, and the endemic Hutton’s shearwater, which breeds in the spectacular mountains behind Kaikoura, plus the potential for other species like Gray-faced Petrel, Southern giant-Petrel,  Sooty and Short-tailed shearwater, and you have the makings of a truly memorable morning. The area is also renowned for dusky and Hector’s dolphins, and we may see these along the way.

The afternoon will be at your leisure, with time for a range of options such as doing another  afternoon pelagic, whale watching (Sperm Whales are present year-round), swimming with dolphins,  or just relaxing and enjoying the scenery. Any activities during the afternoon will be at your own expense. After that, it is time for another night in the same accommodation in Kaikoura.

DAY 13 B, L, D 

Kaikoura to Arthur’s Pass (3 ½ hours driving)

Today we will head deep into the Southern Alps through to Arthur’s Pass, making several stops along the way, and passing through some exceptionally scenic alpine areas. Our target bird for the day will be Kea, which we should be able to find near Arthur’s Pass itself. On the way we will make short stops to break up the journey, including a stop at an estuarine area, where we will look for shorebirds and terns. We may be lucky enough to find what is almost certainly one of the most beautiful terns, the Black-fronted Tern, which breeds nearby. We should also catch up with some of the South Islands’ forest species, such as New Zealand Brown  Creeper, Yellow-fronted Parakeets, and South Island Robin, before checking in to our accommodation near Arthur’s Pass. After dinner, we will venture out in the evening to try and listen for Great Spotted Kiwi, which are occasionally heard nearby. Hopefully, after hearing one, it is time to get some rest before another exciting birding day ahead.

DAY 14 B, L, D 

Arthur’s Pass to Franz Josef (3 ½ hours driving)

On the morning of day 14 we will head west, up and over Arthur’s Pass and on to the stunning West Coast. Our days’ events will be dictated by our previous successes,  and we can head to forested areas to look for some of the South Island endemics, such as New  Zealand Brown Creeper, look for New Zealand Fernbird (South Island subsp.) and Weka, alpine areas  to look for Kea again, and enjoy the views, making stops to take photos. Nearing our destination town of Franz Josef we can head into the glacial valley to admire views of the Franz Josef glacier, or  head out to the coast to see great egret and royal spoonbill in coastal lagoons. As we will be out late tonight we will try to be at our accommodation around late afternoon for a rest.

Our accommodation is on the outskirts of Franz Josef township, and after dinner we will head out  to look for Okarito Brown Kiwi, the rarest of the three Brown Kiwi, with an estimated 400 birds  remaining. It could be a late night, but don’t worry there will be time for enough rest before day 15.

DAY 15 B, L, D 

Franz Josef to Wanaka (4 ½ hours driving). 

Depending on how late we were out the previous night, we will head south towards the township of Haast, stopping at one or two places on the way. During October-November, Fiordland Crested Penguins breed at sites along this coast, and we should be able to see them. Later in the summer, our best bet is further south, where we might find one or two birds close to shore. From Haast, we head inland through some spectacular mountain scenery, with our focus being a visit to Haast Pass. This site is home to several forest species, and has in the past had the endangered yellowhead. However, more recently the species has been very hard to find here, with the population struggling to hold its own against introduced predators. However, the site is also good for New Zealand Kaka (South Island subsp.), Yellow-crowned Parakeet, Rifleman, South Island Tomtit, New Zealand Brown Creeper, and Long-tailed Koel (cuckoo).  We will stay as long as we can in this area, making the most of our time in this amazing forest.

We will then drive through to the beautiful lake-side town of Wanaka, just over an hour away, to our accommodation and settle in for the night.

DAY 16 B, L, D 

Wanaka to Te Anau (6 ½ hours driving). 

Today will involve quite a bit of driving, but we will be passing through some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery, heading towards Milford Sound.  We will move through likely areas for Kea, Yellow-crowned Parakeet, Rifleman, South Island Robin,  Tomtit, and Long-tailed Koel (cuckoo). Our focus, however, will be to make a stop in the alpine habitat for Rock Wren (South Island Wren), one of the World’s most primitive passerines, and related to the more common rifleman. The day’s stops will largely be dictated by weather and success with Rock Wren, which is not possible anywhere else along the way. Although the day will be spent in stunning scenery anyway, if time allows we may head through to Milford Sound to view it from the shore. We will spend the night at accommodation in Te Anau.

DAY 17 B, L, D 

Te Anau to Stewart Island (3 hours driving). 

On day 17 we are heading for the third main island of New  Zealand – Stewart Island. We aim to catch the ferry from Bluff to Stewart Island late in the morning. There are options for stopping along the way, but we will likely head straight through to Bluff to meet the ferry. The van will stay in a secure car park in Bluff, and we will board the ferry as foot passengers, with an overnight bag and the things we need for our two nights on Stewart Island.

Depending on the sea and weather conditions the one-hour ferry crossing can be excellent for  seabirds, with albatross (Southern Royal, White-capped, and Salvin’s), Giant-Petrel, Mottled Petrel,  Cape Petrel , Common Diving-petrel, Fairy Prion, Sooty Shearwater, and Brown Skua all  possible. We will also see Foveaux Shag, either as we leave bluff or on arriving at Stewart Island.  Upon arriving we will check into our accommodation, and should be able to see New Zealand Kaka  (South Island subsp.), New Zealand Pigeon, and Tui around the township of Oban, before heading to  the nearby Ulva Island via water taxi.

Ulva Island is another predator-free sanctuary, but home to some of the South Island specialties we  may still need. Yellowhead, South Island Saddleback, and some of the more common forest species  such as Brown Creeper, Red-crowned and Yellow-crowned parakeets, Kaka and Rifleman can all be found here.  Back in Oban we will have dinner, after which we will head out to search for Southern Brown Kiwi,  an unforgettable experience. In the evening it is time to have dinner and settle down for our first night on the island.

DAY 18 B, L, D 

Stewart Island pelagic

Today we plan to do a pelagic, but this is one part of the world you don’t want to be caught out by weather! Therefore, we will head out to see what we can find, but the distance and direction of travel will depend entirely on the weather. However, if we hit it right, the results can be stunning. With such a close proximity to the Southern Ocean, and large seabird colonies being on many of the surrounding islands we may be able to find an excellent array of seabirds. In particular target birds for the day are Fiordland Crested Penguin, Yellow-eyed Penguin, Southern Royal Albatross, White-capped, and Salvin’s albatross, both Northern and Southern Giant-petrel, Mottled and Cook’s petrel, Broad-billed and Fairy prion, and Common Diving Petrel. Other more common species we will almost certainly see are Cape petrel, Sooty  Shearwater, Spotted and Foveaux shags, Brown Skua, White-fronted Tern, and Red-billed Gull. Almost any vagrant Southern Ocean seabirds are possible, and we will be keeping our eyes peeled for storm petrels, and other albatross and petrel species.

Depending on our success with Southern Brown Kiwi the previous night, and the possibility of  cancellation due to weather, we may head out again after dark as a backup. Our accommodation  will be the same as last night.

DAY 19 B, L, D 

Stewart Island to Oamaru (5 hours driving)

We will leave fantastic Stewart Island on the morning ferry, hoping to catch up with a few more seabirds as we head to Bluff. We will then head northwards towards Oamaru, taking in the very scenic Catlins Coast. This coastal section is renowned for its scenic views and rough weather-beaten coastline. During a stop at one of the beaches along the way, we will search for Hooker’s Sea Lion (a New Zealand endemic) which are often found on this section of coastline. We can also stop off at several other places en route to admire the scenery and look for forest birds. We will also stop at a beach to look for Yellow-eyed Penguins coming ashore. Depending on the weather and prevailing winds, seabirds may also be passing along the coast, with species such as giant-etrels and Otago shag being possible. Our accommodation for the night is in Oamaru.

DAY 20 B, L, D 

Oamaru to Twizel (4 ½ hours driving)

On the penultimate day of this amazing trip we again head inland, this time into one of the driest parts  of the South Island – the arid Mackenzie basin. With stunning glacial till-coloured lakes, mountains,  and red tussocks, the scenery and birds will be amazing. The focus of the day is the worlds’ rarest shorebird, the Black Stilt! With a population of around 100 wild birds, they are a species which has a considerable conservation effort invested in them. Depending on our luck, we may find them easily at our first stop, or they may make us work for it. Along the way we will be keeping eyes peeled for New Zealand Falcon, which is regularly found in this area, as well as stops for the introduced Chukar, and waterbirds, including Great Crested Grebe, Common Coot, and the ever-difficult Baillon’s Crake (Marsh Crake). On a clear day we should have views of New Zealand’s highest mountain, Mount Cook (Aorangi). We will spend the night at accommodations in Twizel and reflect on a life-affirming 3-weeks with New Zealand’s unique and beautiful nature.

DAY 21 B, L 

Twizel to Christchurch (4 hours driving). 

Before saying goodbyes, we head northwards towards Christchurch through a lot of agricultural country before hitting the coast and crossing a large number of braided rivers that flow from the majestic Southern Alps to the sea. Many of these rivers are good breeding  sites for Wrybill and Black-fronted Terns, and we may make stops here or at several coastal lagoons,  before arriving in Christchurch.

We will end the tour at the International Airport in Christchurch around 1pm, or we can drop you at accommodation should you be choosing to stay on for a few days, but please check with us to  make sure drop-off is feasible before booking. If departing from the Airport we recommend not  booking any flight before 3:30pm to allow enough time. If staying in Christchurch for just one night,  we suggest hotels adjacent to the airport. We can help with bookings!