Best Spring Wildlife Experiences in New Zealand
14 September 2026 
Spring is a great time to explore New Zealand's wildlife, with longer days and plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and discover the country's coastal, forest and island environments. From dolphins and seals to penguins, whales and native birds, there are many ways to experience wildlife in its natural surroundings.
From the Bay of Islands and Bay of Plenty to Wellington, Akaroa, Kaikōura and Stewart Island, these experiences offer different ways to discover New Zealand's wildlife while exploring some of the country's most distinctive landscapes. Here are some wildlife experiences to consider for a spring trip around New Zealand.
1. See Dolphins in the Bay of Plenty
The Bay of Plenty is known for its beaches, islands and rich marine environment. The waters around Tauranga are home to wild dolphins, making the region a good place to get out on the water and look for them in their natural surroundings.
The Dolphin & Wildlife Eco Cruise takes you along the Bay of Plenty coastline in search of wild dolphins and other marine wildlife.
Dolphin & Wildlife Eco Cruise
Tauranga, Bay Of Plenty
Watch dolphins swimming up close as you explore our big blue backyard! Enjoying an amazing half-day cruise along the pristine Bay of Plenty coastline and islands. With seasonal marine wildlife such as dolphins, seals, an ...
For another way to see dolphins, the Wild Dolphin Encounter heads out from Tauranga to look for wild dolphins in their natural environment.
Wild Dolphin Encounter
Tauranga, Bay Of Plenty
Experience the trip of a lifetime on the Bay of Plenty's premier dolphin eco-tour. Dolphin Seafaris provides an organic experience that’s completely on the dolphin’s terms. You will see pods of common dolphins clo ...
Both experiences give visitors a chance to see dolphins in the open water, while experiencing a different side of the Bay of Plenty coastline.
2. Look for Seals Along Wellington's Coast
Wellington has a rugged south coast that feels a world away from the city centre. The coastline is home to New Zealand fur seals, which can often be seen resting on the rocks, making this part of Wellington a particularly interesting place to experience local wildlife.
The Wellington Half Day Seal Coast Safari travels along the south coast, giving visitors the chance to look for New Zealand fur seals in their natural environment while taking in the surrounding coastal scenery.
Wellington: Half Day Seal Coast Safari
Wellington City, Wellington
Venture through private farmland with stunning views of the Cook Strait, South Island, and Kaikoura Ranges. Travel down to sea level, to see some much-loved locals, New Zealand fur seals.
It is a different way to experience Wellington, combining wildlife with some of the city's most rugged coastal landscapes.
3. Discover Wildlife Around Akaroa
If you're visiting Christchurch, Akaroa makes an easy day trip, around 90 minutes away across Banks Peninsula. The harbour town is surrounded by volcanic landscapes and sheltered coastal waters, and the peninsula is home to marine wildlife including Hector's dolphins, New Zealand fur seals, penguins and seabirds.
The Akaroa Nature Cruise explores the harbour and surrounding coastline, where you can look for local marine wildlife while taking in the scenery of Banks Peninsula.
Akaroa Nature Cruise
Akaroa, Canterbury
Join a 2-hour award-winning stunning Akaroa Nature Cruise. View the rare Hector's dolphin, native to New Zealand, penguins, NZ fur seals, and sea birds as you cruise around an extinct volcanic crater on our spacious cata ...
The Evening Penguin Safari focuses on little penguins and their natural habitat, with the evening setting providing a chance to see them as they return to shore.
Evening Penguin Safari
Akaroa, Canterbury
Pōhatu/Flea Bay, overlooking the Pohatu Marine Reserve, is home to the largest Australasian little penguin colony on mainland New Zealand - and this evening safari puts you right in the heart of it. After a scenic 4WD d ...
If you'd rather be on the water yourself, the Guided Sea Kayak Safari in Akaroa takes you along the coastline while you look out for marine wildlife.
Guided sea kayak safari in Akaroa
Akaroa, Canterbury
Akaroa Guided Kayak Safari’s sea kayaking tours are sure to bring out your adventurous spirit! We are Akaroa’s premium Sea Kayak Operators and can’t wait to get you on the water with us! Akaroa is one of New Zealan ...
The 2 Hour Nature Safari in Akaroa Wildside Conservation Area explores the area's wildlife and conservation environment, providing another way to discover the natural side of Banks Peninsula.
2 Hour Nature Safari in Akaroa Wildside Conservation Area
Akaroa, Canterbury
Discover one of New Zealand's most remarkable conservation success stories on this 2-hour nature safari from Akaroa. Travelling by 4WD minibus through stunning farmland and forested hillsides with sweeping views of Akaro ...
With cruises, kayaking, penguin watching and conservation experiences, Akaroa gives visitors several ways to explore the wildlife of Banks Peninsula.
4. See Whales in Kaikōura
Kaikōura is one of New Zealand's best-known marine wildlife destinations, set between the Kaikōura Ranges and the Pacific Ocean. The Kaikōura Canyon creates a rich marine environment where sperm whales are found year-round, along with other whales, dolphins and marine species.
The Kaikōura Fixed Wing Plane Whale Watching experience takes visitors above the coastline for a different view of Kaikōura's marine wildlife, with the chance to spot whales from the air.
Kaikoura - Fixed Wing Plane Whale Watching
Kaikoura, Canterbury
Experience the beauty and wonder of Kaikōura's marine wildlife from above. With your very own window seat, enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime whale watching experience. Take in the best views as we slowly orbit around nature ...
It can also be included as part of a South Island road trip for travellers heading through the Kaikōura region.
5. Discover Native Birds on Stewart Island
Stewart Island is one of New Zealand's most remote inhabited islands and is known for its forests, coastline and native birdlife. Just off the coast, Ulva Island is a predator-free sanctuary where native and endemic birds can thrive without introduced pests.
The Ulva Island Bird Sanctuary Water-Taxi provides access to the island, where visitors can explore the sanctuary and look for native birds in their natural surroundings.
Stewart Island Pelagic and Wild-Life Tour
Southland
Experience Stewart Island's authentic wildlife with our pelagic tour, perfect for birding and wild-life enthusiasts!
For wildlife lovers, Ulva Island offers a chance to experience some of New Zealand's native birdlife in a protected island environment.
6. Explore Marine Wildlife in the Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands is known for its sheltered waters, islands and rich marine life. Around Paihia and the surrounding islands, visitors can explore the coast by boat and get into the water to see the marine life below the surface.
The Snorkeling Trip heads out from Paihia to Deep Water Cove, where you can snorkel among reef sites and see a variety of fish in the marine reserve.
Snorkeling Trip
Bay Of Islands, Northland
We are lucky in the Bay of Islands to have some of the best snorkelling in New Zealand. We have a marine reserve in Deep Water Cove with some beautiful reef sites, abundant fish life, and spectacular scenery. We are also ...
It's a different way to experience New Zealand's marine wildlife, taking you beneath the surface rather than looking for animals from a boat.
Planning Your Spring Wildlife Experiences
Spring runs from September to November in New Zealand, with longer days making it easier to explore the country's coastlines, islands and natural environments. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, as animals are wild and conditions can vary, so it is worth keeping your itinerary flexible.
Before booking, check the details of each experience, including any age, fitness or seasonal requirements. Popular wildlife experiences can also book out, so booking ahead is recommended if you are travelling on specific dates.
If you're planning a longer trip around the country, take a look at our guide to 10 Best Spring Road Trips in New Zealand for ideas on scenic routes and destinations to include in your itinerary.
Experience New Zealand's Wildlife This Spring
From dolphins and seals to whales, penguins and native birds, New Zealand has plenty of wildlife experiences to add to a trip. Many take you beyond the main towns and cities, into the coastal and island environments where these animals live.
Whether you're exploring the North Island or travelling through the South Island, a wildlife experience can be a memorable part of your New Zealand itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions about Best Spring Wildlife Experiences in New Zealand
What wildlife can I see in New Zealand in spring?
Depending on where you travel, you may see dolphins, seals, whales, penguins and native New Zealand birds.
Where is the best place to see wildlife in New Zealand?
Wildlife can be seen in many parts of New Zealand, with the Bay of Islands, Bay of Plenty, Wellington, Akaroa, Kaikōura and Stewart Island offering different ways to see marine and native wildlife.
Is spring a good time for wildlife experiences in New Zealand?
Yes. Spring is a good time to explore New Zealands natural environments, although wildlife sightings depend on the animals, location and weather conditions.
Can I see dolphins in New Zealand?
Yes. Dolphin experiences are available in several parts of New Zealand, including the Bay of Plenty and other coastal regions. Sightings are not guaranteed because dolphins are wild animals.
Where can I see penguins in New Zealand?
Akaroa is one place where visitors can look for little penguins. The Evening Penguin Safari focuses on seeing little penguins as they return to shore in the evening.
Should I book wildlife experiences in advance?
Booking ahead is recommended for popular wildlife experiences, especially if you are travelling on specific dates or during a busy period.