FOR travellers in search of an alternative #wildlife experience and the chance to spot some of the most unusual species, #NewZealand could be the answer. The country is home to some of the world’s rarest indigenous creatures, and offers plenty of wildlife opportunities for visitors year-round – from the fjords of the South Island to the beaches of the North Island’s sunny east coast.
PENGUINS – Penguins can be found on the cooler fringes, including Akaroa, Stewart Island, and Marlborough Sounds. The South Island’s west coast is home to one of the world’s rarest penguins – the Fiordland crested, known for its unique yellow eyebrow-stripe extending over the eyes and down the neck.
DOLPHINS –From the tiny Hector’s dolphin to the compact common dolphin and the sleek grey bottlenose, New Zealand’s coastlines are home to a wide range of dolphins. Head to the Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru, and Pelorus Sounds, at the top of the South Island.
WHALES –Kaikoura in the South Island is an iconic destination for those wanting to catch a glimpse of these incredible animals.
ALBATROSS COLONY – David Attenborough described the Otago Peninsula as ‘a very special place’ and it’s not hard to see why. These majestic seabirds can be seen at the world’s only mainland breeding albatross colony at Taiaroa Head in the South Island. With a wingspan of more than nine feet and soaring at speeds of up to 75 mph, they are not to be missed!
KIWI – For such a well-known NZ icon, the kiwi can be surprisingly elusive. These shy, nocturnal birds are endangered and threatened by predators such as dogs, cats, and stoats, so seeing them in the wild is a rare occurrence. Stewart Island, off the bottom of the South Island, is one of the best places to spot kiwi in their native habitat.
TUATARA – The Tuatara is a unique relic of the past and dates back to dinosaur days. They are the only beak-headed reptile left in the world, and they call New Zealand home. Every species of this reptile family except the tuatara died out approximately 65 million years ago, making it one of the rarest wildlife spots in the country. Tuatara can live for more than 100 years and are found only in the wild on protected offshore islands. Head to Stephens Island in the Marlborough Sounds or the wildlife safe haven of Zealandia near Wellington.
New Zealand in Depth has launched a 28-night NZ Self-Drive Bird & Nature Tour created by the country’s wildlife and travel experts. From £6,500 per person, the package includes transfers, accommodation in boutique hotels and luxury lodges, car hire, breakfast and some dinners, a tour director and wildlife activities and excursions.
www.newzealand-indepth.co.uk
www.newzealand.com
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Picture Credit: Tasman Valley - Aoraki Mount Cook - Canterbury-David Briody from Edinburgh, Scotland - Tasman Valley (by Lesley). Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons, http://www.flickr.com/photos/91425144@N04/19622950269">Whale's Tail, Kaikoura</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license), http://www.flickr.com/photos/56158582@N00/16362034635">Royal albatross</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/">(license), http://www.flickr.com/photos/95572727@N00/5022429356">The Yellow-Eyed Penguin</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/">(license)
