Find the best wildlife encounters with Boat Tours and cruises for Whale Watching & Swimming with Dolphins. Zoos and Wildlife Parks, Eco Tours, and Nature & Wildlife Tours and attractions are all on offer. In summer, a wildlife encounter should be at the top of your to-do list!
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Nature and Wildlife
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Top Attractions
Bethells Boogie
Explore impressive 30-meter-high sea caves and rock chasms along the rugged west coast.
from NZ $250
4 hours 
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour From Auckland
Hobbiton Movie Set & the newly opened Bagshot Row
from NZ $315.00
9 Hours 
Polynesian Spa - Rotorua's Iconic Geothermal ...
Historic geothermal pools drawing from Rotorua’s unique Priest and Rachel Springs
from NZ $32.95
1 Hours 
Whitewater Grade 3
Raft the Upper Tongariro River and wonder at the sights you can only experience by raft
from NZ $199.00
Allow 4-4.5 hours
from NZ $24.00
1 Hours 
from NZ $245.00
4 Hours 
from NZ $580.00
1 Days 12 Hours 
Waitomo Glow Worm Caves & Rotorua Geotherml V...
Guided tour through the world-famous Waitomo Glow Worm Caves
from NZ $459.00
12 Hours 
Off Road Adventure Tour - Franz Josef Glacier
Single or double Can-am Quad Bikes
from NZ $269.00
2 Hours 
from NZ $365.00
10 Hours 
from NZ $209.00
4 Hours 30 Mins 
Private 3 Day Tour: Hobbiton, Waitomo Caves, ...
Admission & Guided Tour Inside Hobbiton Movie Set Tours with a complimentary drink.
from NZ $7900.00
3 Days 
Waiheke Island Wine & Art Tour
Create your own handcrafted jewellery in a hands-on workshop
from NZ $1500.00
7 Hours 
Browns Island (Motukorea) Sea Kayak Tour
Sea Kayak Aucklands' Hauraki Gulf and Waitemata Harbour
from NZ $150
4 hours 
from NZ $295.00
3 Hours 30 Mins 
Te Puia - Te Rā Guided Experience + Haka
Cultural performance – Enjoy pōhiri, waiata, mōteatea, poi & haka in our carved meeting house.
from NZ $142.00
2 Hours 
from NZ $695.00
4 Hours 
Waiheke Island Vineyards & Bush Walk
Enjoy stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf Islands, Great Barrier Island and Coromandel Peninsula
from NZ $477.00
5 Hours 
Multi-Day Tour: Thermal Getaway Experience (3...
Drift through Waitomo’s Glowworm Grotto by boat beneath thousands of softly glowing lights.
from NZ $3995.00
3 Days 12 Hours 
from NZ $57.00
1 Hours 15 Mins 
Explore New Zealands most beautiful river
Paddle New Zealands most beautiful river
from NZ $215.00
4 Hours 
from NZ $89.00
2 hours
from NZ $765.00
40 Mins 
Marlborough Molesworth Epic Cycle Tour
Discover the majesty of the Molesworth Station as you ride through the incredible terrain
from NZ $6400.00
11 days 
Albatross Encounter
In just 2.5 hours you will see an incredible array of albatross species and other beautiful seabirds
from NZ $200
2 hours 30 mins
Exclusive Abel Tasman Charter
A bespoke guided full day exploring the Abel Tasman National Park - personalized to meet your needs
from NZ $3915.00
6 hours 
from NZ $199.00
Allow 4-4.5 hours
Muriwai Beach & Wine Tasting Private Tour
Visit the spectacular black-sand shores of Muriwai Beach
from NZ $695.00
8 Hours 
Kaikōura Ziplining & Native forest trail
Experience the thrill of ziplining amidst the stunning landscapes of Kaikōura
from NZ $199.00
4 Hours 
from NZ $395.00
25 Mins 
from NZ $849.00
04:00 hours
from NZ $140.00
2 Hours 30 Mins 
Tiritiri Matangi Island Private Tour
Travel to Tiritiri Matangi Island with return ferry tickets accompanied by your private guide
from NZ $1200.00
10 Hours 
Midday Milford Sound Cruise
Enjoy an informative cruise aboard a modern and spacious catamaran
from NZ $185.00
1 Hours 45 Mins 
Sea Cave Adventures Whitianga
Visit the world famous Cathedral Cove + Te Whanganui O Hei Marine Reserve!
from NZ $135.00
2 Hours 
from NZ $315.00
4 Hours 
Waiheke Island Bush & Beach Walk
Visit some of the island’s amazing trees including magnificent Pohutukawas and Nikau Palms
from NZ $445.00
5 Hours 
from NZ $59.00
2 Hours 30 Mins 
Private Luxury Auckland - Rotorua Geothermal ...
Witness geothermal wonders
from NZ $1600.00
12 hours 
from NZ $70
30 Mins 
The High Country Pub Trail Horse Trek (Interm...
Ride a horse up the mountain to the pub!
from NZ $599.00
3 hours 30 mins
Hobbiton Movie Set & Waitomo Glow Worm Caves ...
Enjoy a 2.5-hour guided tour through the enchanting Hobbiton Movie Set
from NZ $990.00
12 Hours 
from NZ $319
2 hours 20 mins
from NZ $355
6 hours 
from NZ $14
1 hours 
Evening Champagne Cruise
Experience the wonder of our 1935 Scottish built motor sailor
from NZ $165.00
1.5 hours
from NZ $479.00
8 Hours 
from NZ $309.00
13 Hours 
from NZ $17.50
5 Mins 
Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Tour from Auckland i...
Hobbiton Movie Set & the newly opened Bagshot Row
from NZ $379.00
12 Hours 
Milford Sound Early Bird Coach & Cruise from ...
Return transport in a comfortable coach with guide commentary
from NZ $275.00
12 Hours 
Milford Sound Early Explorer Coach & Cruise f...
Return transport in a comfortable coach with guide commentary
from NZ $230.00
8 Hours 
from NZ $180.00
3 Hours 
Hobbiton Movie Set & Te Puia (Rotorua) Privat...
Enjoy a 2.5-hour guided tour through the enchanting Hobbiton Movie Set
from NZ $950.00
12 Hours 
from NZ $269.00
4 Hours 
from NZ $90
54 Mins 
Days Out Fishing Charters Bay of Islands
Sport Fishing in the Bay of Islands
from NZ $400.00
Dolphin Encounter - Swim with or watch Kaikou...
Kaikoura is among the best locations in the world to encounter interact with wild dusky dolphins
from NZ $150
3.5 hours 
Birdwatching, Hiking & Waterfalls Private Tou...
Explore Pūkorokoro Miranda Wildlife Reserve with a professional bird guide
from NZ $980.00
8 Hours 
Bay of Many Coves Heli-lunch
Scenic Helicopter Flight from Wellington City to Marlborough Sounds
from NZ $1095.00
3 Hours 
Rotorua Rafting: Kaituna River Grade 5 Raftin...
Feel the thrill of whitewater rafting over 3 waterfalls and 14 rapids
from NZ $135.00
2 Hours 
Kiwi Wilderness Experience
Round-trip transportation from most Auckland CBD hotels
from NZ $400.00
5 Hours 
Motuihe Island Wildlife Private Experience
Travel by private sea shuttle to a protected island wildlife sanctuary
from NZ $1500.00
4 Hours 
Underworld Adventures
One of the best and brightest GlowWorm displays in New Zealand
from NZ $165.00
4 Hours 
from NZ $225.00
5 Hours 
from NZ $380.00
9 Hours 
Sea Kayaking, Lyttelton Harbour & Quail I...
Sea kayaking in an extinct volcano (Lyttleton Harbour)
from NZ $479.00
8 Hours 30 Mins 
from NZ $579.00
8 Hours 
Ultimate Arthur’s Pass Day Tour From Christ...
Picture perfect scenery - including Lakes Pearson and Lydon, and Cave Stream Scenic Reserve
from NZ $595.00
11 Hours 
from NZ $149.00
2 Hours 
Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise
Close-Up Wildlife Encounters: Spot wild dolphins, whales, seals, and penguins up close.
from NZ $175.00
5 Hours 
from NZ $207
1 hours 30 mins
Milford Sound Coach & Nature Cruise ex Te Ana...
Premium glass-roof coach with scenic stops and local commentary through Fiordland
from NZ $259.00
8 Hours 
3-Day Milford Sound Tour via Walter Peak & Vo...
45-min TSS Earnslaw Steamship Cruise from Queenstown to Wa-l-t-e-r Peak
from NZ $1799.00
2 Days 1 Hours 30 Mins 
Jetski fun and thrill on your scenic ride in ...
Experience the fun and thrill of a Jetski ride!
from NZ $149.00
30 Mins 
Mokai Canyon - 3 day river rafting holiday, f...
3 days of guided rafting on a beautiful section of the Rangitikei river
from NZ $1155
3 days 
from NZ $125.00
1 Days 
Early Morning Milford Sound Cruise
Enjoy an informative cruise aboard a modern and spacious catamaran
from NZ $160.00
1 Hours 45 Mins 
Heli-Picnic for up to 6 people in a private h...
Gourmet picnic at a hidden alpine lake in the Kahurangi National Park
from NZ $5606.00
3 hours 
Milford Sound Classic Coach & Cruise from Que...
Return transport in a comfortable coach with guide commentary
from NZ $299.00
12 Hours 
from NZ $1350.00
4 Hours 
Kaikōura Day Tour From Christchurch With Win...
Whale Watching Flight (approximately 1 hour, including check-in) with Wings Over Whales Kaikoura
from NZ $479.00
10 Hours 
Milford Sound Scenic Coach & Cruise tour from...
Return transport in a comfortable coach with guide commentary
from NZ $255.00
8 Hours 
from NZ $115.00
3 Hours 
from NZ $1250.00
4 hours 
Te Puia - Te Rā Guided Experience
Te Rā tour of geysers, mud pools, native bush & Pōhutu, the southern hemisphere’s largest geyser.
from NZ $105.00
1 Hours 30 Mins 
Rotorua Ziplines: Zipline Over Waterfalls
The only Ziplining experience to fly over waterfalls in New Zealand
from NZ $179.00
2 Hours 
Ngawha Springs Geothermal Hot Pools
16 Geothermal pools with unique characteristics, differing temperatures, colors and minerals
from NZ $40.00
2 Hours 
from NZ $908.00
13 Hours 
Bay Of Islands Explorer Experience - Small Gr...
Cruise among the Bay of Islands’ 144 islands, taking in sheltered bays and coastal scenery.
from NZ $495.00
13 Hours 
Hobbiton Movie Set & Waitomo Glow Worm Caves
Admission and 2.5-hour guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set
from NZ $450.00
12 Hours 
Ultimate Discovery - 45-minute Three-Glacier ...
Franz Josef Glacier, Fox and Tasman Glacier
from NZ $695.00
45 Mins 
Abel Tasman Cruise-Fly Package ex Nelson
Enjoy a scenic flight over golden sands of the Abel Tasman National Park
from NZ $699.00
8 hours 
from NZ $1750.00
12.5 hours 
Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Māori A...
Hundertwasser in New Zealand 1973 – 2000 Exhibition
from NZ $30
1 hours 
from NZ $75.00
30 Mins 
Nomad Safaris Routeburn - Guided Walks
Fans of Middle-earth, relive the magic with the "Lord of The Rings tours" - Glenorchy and Queenstown
from NZ $275.00
4 Hours 30 Mins 
Stewart Island Pelagic and Wild-Life Tour
Have a great time finding albatross, penguins, sealions, and more!
from NZ $90
1 Hours 30 Mins 
Hobbiton Movie Set & Rotorua Geothermal Valle...
Admission and 2.5-hour guided tour of the enchanting Hobbiton Movie Set
from NZ $450.00
12 Hours 
from NZ $420.00
9 Hours Travel Guides
Frequently Asked Questions about Nature and Wildlife
Where is the nature and wildlife tours capital of New Zealand?
The South Island is widely regarded as the nature and wildlife tours capital due to its vast national parks, untouched landscapes, and diverse wildlife experiences. Fiordland is one of the most renowned regions, known for its dramatic fjords, rainforests, waterfalls, and wildlife cruises in Milford and Doubtful Sound. Many tours here focus on scenic nature, native birdlife, and marine wildlife encounters. Other popular nature and wildlife areas in the South Island include Kaikōura for whale and dolphin watching, the Otago Peninsula for penguins and albatross, and Stewart Island / Rakiura for rare birdlife. In the North Island, nature and wildlife experiences can be found in the Bay of Islands, Rotorua, and Tongariro National Park, offering coastal wildlife, geothermal landscapes, and native forest adventures.
What are the top nature and wildlife tours in New Zealand?
Some of the top nature and wildlife tours in New Zealand include Milford Sound nature cruises, Kaikōura whale watching tours, Rotorua geothermal and wildlife experiences, Waitomo Glowworm Cave tours, Stewart Island kiwi spotting tours, Akaroa dolphin cruises, and West Coast rainforest eco tours.
What makes NZ’s wildlife unique?
New Zealand’s wildlife is unique because of its long isolation, which led to the evolution of rare native species found nowhere else, including flightless birds like the kiwi and kākāpō, a lack of native land mammals, and diverse marine life protected by strong conservation efforts.
What is the best season for wildlife sightings in New Zealand?
The best season for wildlife sightings in New Zealand varies by type of animal, but generally spring (September to November) and summer (December to February) are excellent times because many birds are active, breeding, and nesting, and marine animals like dolphins and fur seals are frequently seen in coastal waters. Spring and summer also offer long daylight hours and pleasant weather for nature tours.
Can I go whale watching in NZ?
Yes, you can absolutely go whale watching in New Zealand! New Zealand offers world-class whale watching tours where you can see whales, dolphins, seals, and other marine life in their natural habitat.
Are dolphin encounters offered?
Yes, dolphin encounters are offered in New Zealand, and they are featured as part of the wildlife and marine experiences you can book.
What nature and wildlife tours are offered in Bay of Plenty?
In the Bay of Plenty, you can enjoy several nature and wildlife tours. These include the Wild Dolphin Encounter and Dolphin & Wildlife Eco Cruises, where you can see and sometimes swim with wild dolphins. There are also scenic tours like the Tauranga Scenic Harbor Cruise and Tauranga Harbour Cruise, offering views of the coastline and opportunities to spot seabirds and marine life. For a unique experience, the Evening Glowworm Kayak Tour and Big Kanu Glowworm Tour let you explore waterways while seeing glowworms in their natural habitat.
Nature and Wildlife activities to See and Do in New Zealand
Due to New Zealand's unique landscape, opportunities for all kinds of adventures are at your fingertips, and there are so many exciting things to do in every region. If you're looking for a thrilling, memorable activity, then browse through the selection at See and Do NZ.
Due to the vast variety of wildlife and nature in New Zealand, just about every activity will involve nature or wildlife. If you're in the Bay of Islands, there are some great water activities. Check out this island hopping cruise, fishing trip, hole-in-the-rock tour, or glow worm tour! The North Island has other great adventures like this ziplining in Rotorua! The South Island is just as fruitful! Canterbury has an exciting Albatross encounter, and you can explore canyons in Queenstown!
The best places for Nature and Wildlife in New Zealand
Due to the vast variety of wildlife and nature in New Zealand, every place you visit will be abundant in nature! Even Auckland, New Zealand's biggest city, is covered in trees and parks!
Top Destinations
Explore some of New Zealand’s most popular travel destinations.
