South Island Birding and Wildlife Tour

New Zealand is home to some of the rarest and most unique birds on earth. With a stunning backdrop of golden bays, vast wetlands, mountain ranges and ancient forests, you'll travel the full length of the South Island for unforgettable encounters with our best-loved and most endangered species in their natural habitats.

Among the amazing birds you will meet are the world's largest (and drunkest) pigeon, cheeky alpine parrots, shy and retiring hoiho (yellow-crested penguin), operatic Tui, and tiny New Zealand robins who dance around your feet. Complemented with a soundtrack of our incredible songbirds, you'll never want this movie to end.

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Visited Locations

Abel Tasman National Park

Queen Charlotte Sound

Queenstown City

Wild West Coast

First Light Travel

Duration

18 Days

Starts

Picton

Finishes

Christchurch

Type

Self Drive

Transport

Rental Vehicle

Accom

100% Customisable

Inclusions

Flexibility Promise

Rental Vehicle

17 Nights Accommodation

Dedicated Travel Consultant

Full 24 Hour Support

All Activities as per Highlights

Detailed Daily Itinerary and Vouchers

Private Airport Transfers

Highlights

Abel Tasman small Group Day Cruise

Milford Sound Nature Cruise

Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary Cruise

Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony

Okarito Lagoon Wildlife Kayak

Penguins and Royal Albatross Tour

Petrel Colony Tour (Optional)

Ulva Island Cruise & Guided Nature Walk

West Coast Crested Penguin Viewing

Wildlife Cruise Otago Peninsula

See the Full Itinerary

From $6749

per person (low season)

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Reviews of this tour....

I have no regrets it was so easy and everything went according to plan.

Australia

13 Feb 2025

One recommendation I must make if anyone is staying in Blenheim the restaurant at the Chateau Marlborough was next level. We ate there all 3 nights and each time it was fantastic with great service too. There was a change of our itinerary due to sale of accommodation a few weeks before departure but the alternative offered was excellent.

First light travel were a joy to work with from start to finish. I normally do all our research and reservations but as we had an incredibly busy year including moving states, retirement and family obligations I chose to use a travel agent. I have no regrets it was so easy and everything went according to plan. . I highly recommend and would use FLT again.

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