Nature & Wildlife
Get closer to New Zealand's nature and wildlife
From whales, dolphins and seals off the coast to waterfalls, forests and national parks inland, nature is close at hand. Join a guided tour or head out on your own, and take your time. Pick an experience, then choose a park to base yourself.
DISCOVER LOCAL WILDLIFE
Meet the creatures of land and sea
Marine life, native birds and coastal colonies can all be seen up close on guided tours and short outings close to our parks. See what you can spot.
EXPLORE NATURAL WONDERS
Waterfalls, forests and coastlines
Follow a track to a waterfall, wander through a scenic reserve or explore a national park. There's plenty to explore.
Explore nature & wildlife in New Zealand
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Abel Tasman National Park
Nelson-Tasman, South Island
New Zealand's smallest national park, with golden beaches and coastal walking and kayaking, a scenic drive from the park.
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Albatross Encounter Kaikōura
Canterbury, South Island
Get up close to albatross and other ocean birds on a small-boat tour — one of the best places in the world for seabird spotting.
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Arrowtown Chinese Settlement
Otago, South Island
A short trip from the park to the historic site that tells the story of the Chinese miners who came to Arrowtown during the Otago Gold Rush.
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Cape Foulwind Walkway & Seal Colony
West Coast, South Island
A clifftop walk past the cape's landmark lighthouse to a fur seal colony, where seals can be spotted year-round.
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Dolphin Encounter Kaikōura
Canterbury, South Island
Swim with or watch the playful dusky dolphins that gather off the coast — a once-in-a-lifetime encounter, just minutes from the park.
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Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa
Canterbury, South Island
The region's must-visit geothermal hot pools, with pools ranging from 28°C to 42°C, hydroslides in the Family Play Zone and a dedicated Adult Oasis for a quieter soak.
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Julians Berry Farm & Café
Bay of Plenty, North Island
Pick your own berries, meet the farm animals and treat yourself to berry ice cream and home baking in the sheltered garden café.
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Moutohorā (Whale Island)
Bay of Plenty, North Island
A predator-free island sanctuary managed by the Department of Conservation, home to rare species including tuatara, kākāriki and kiwi. Access is restricted, so join a licensed tour to explore it.
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Ōhope Scenic Reserve & Kiwi Spotting
Bay of Plenty, North Island
One of the largest remaining stands of coastal pōhutukawa forest in New Zealand, and home to many kiwi. Walk the Fairbrother Loop by day, or join a guided night walk for the chance to hear them calling.