Five Unmissable Wildlife Adventures in New Zealand

From kiwis and penguins to giant sperm whales and dusky dolphins, New Zealand's coastlines, lakes, and forests offer a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, brimming with an incredible diversity of creatures.

August 7, 2024 / 4-Minute Read

Spot Kiwis on Stewart Island

New Zealand's iconic kiwi is a curious little creature, often called an honorary mammal. If you're eager to glimpse this nocturnal national treasure, there's no better place than Stewart Island (Rakiura). Situated just 30km south of the South Island across the Foveaux Strait, Stewart Island is a nature lover's paradise with fewer than 400 people—most of whom live in Oban. The real residents here, however, are the incredible wildlife, including penguins, sea lions, seals, and kiwis.

Iconic: spot the well-known Kiwi bird on Stewart Island

The best spot to see these quirky birds is along the walking track that loops from Little Glory Cove to Ocean Beach in the Glory Cove Scenic Reserve. For a more immersive experience, tackle the Rakiura Great Walk on a guided tramp. This multi-day adventure will take you through deserted beaches and ancient coastal forests. And as the name 'Land of Glowing Skies' suggests, Rakiura is a privileged territory for witnessing the magical Aurora Australis, or Southern Lights, thanks to its precise, unpolluted skies.

Glimpse Giant Sperm Whales in Kaikoura

Nestled between the snow-dusted Kaikōura mountain range and the vast Pacific Ocean, Kaikōura is where nature truly takes centre stage. This east coast gem is one of the world's best spots for marine life encounters.

Whales, fur seals, and dolphins are regular visitors to these waters, with boat tours frequently departing from the marina to introduce you to these magnificent creatures. Depending on the season, you might spot orcas, humpbacks, minkes, beaked whales, and even the mighty blue whale. But the show's star is the giant sperm whale, one of the few places in the world where you're almost guaranteed a sighting.

Keep your eyes on the water: embark on a boat tour around Kaikōura, and you might catch a glimpse of a majestic sperm whale.

For those who prefer a bird's view, aerial tours provide a stunning perspective of these colossal cetaceans, which can grow up to 20 metres long. And if you're feeling adventurous, you can kayak with fur seals and pods of playful, dusky dolphins while watching the rare Hector's dolphin—one of the smallest in the world.

Spy Seals and Penguins in Milford Sound

On the wild west coast of the South Island lies Milford Sound (Piopiotahi), a natural wonderland that seems almost too spectacular to be real. Imagine glacier-carved mountains, razor-sharp cliffs, lush rainforests, and waterfalls that tumble into glassy, serene waters.

There are countless ways to explore this 16 km-long fjord, from hiking along its many trails to soaring above it on a scenic flight. But you'll want to take-to the water for a close encounter with the Sound's charming inhabitants. Hop aboard a Milford Sound cruise or join a small-group kayak expedition—twilight paddles here are particularly magical.

Keep an eye out for seals: Milford Sound’s waters are teeming with marine life, including the playful New Zealand fur seal.

Milford Sound's unique blend of fresh and saltwater is a haven for marine mammals, including New Zealand fur seals, also known as Antarctic fur seals. These playful pinnipeds can be seen basking on the rocky shores year-round. Keep your eyes peeled for the fjord's other endearing residents, including little blue penguins, Fiordland crested penguins (tawaki), bottlenose dolphins, and the elusive dusky dolphins. If you're lucky, you might even glimpse a southern right whale.

While Milford Sound is undoubtedly the crown jewel of Fiordland National Park, it's just one of many stunning fjords where wildlife thrives. Explore further afield to Doubtful Sound, Dusky Sound, and Breaksea Sound for more awe-inspiring encounters.

Paddle Next to Dolphins Around the Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands is a dreamy cluster of 144 subtropical islands off the northeast coast of the North Island. It is famed for its pristine beaches, lush native forests, and rich historical sites. But the local dolphin population steals the show.

Launch from Urupukapuka Island's Otehei Bay on a kayak or paddle board, and you'll soon find yourself sharing the waters with bottlenose and common dolphins, along with the occasional stingray and schools of shimmering fish. The area offers a variety of ways to explore its many inlets and islands. Whether you opt for a multi-day kayak expedition or a quick paddle, the experience will surely be unforgettable. If you'd instead leave the navigating to someone else, hop on a cruise that weaves through the islands, offering prime spots to observe the marine life. Don't miss the chance to sail along the rugged Rakaumangamanga Peninsula to Cape Brett, where a solitary lighthouse watches over Piercy Island, also known as the Hole in the Rock—a top spot for cetacean spotting.

Paddle alongside dorsal fins: both bottlenose and common dolphins glide through the waters of The Bay of Islands.

Go Diving in Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve

Just off the Northland coast lies the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve, an underwater playground like no other. These islands, rich in geological wonder and marine biodiversity, are considered one of the southern hemisphere's top diving sites. With dramatic vertical reef walls, caves, tunnels, and arches, it's easy to see why even the legendary oceanographer Jacques Cousteau ranked this spot among his top ten.

Dive into the warm subtropical waters, and you'll encounter a stunning variety of marine life, from vibrant schools of blue and pink maomao to the elusive two-spot demoiselle. Giant marine creatures like manta rays, stingrays, turtles, dolphins, and orcas might also appear.

Explore the depths: Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve is a premier destination for diving

Nursery Cove and the shallower areas around South Harbour offer a more relaxed introduction to this underwater wonderland for novice divers. Meanwhile, experienced divers will relish the more challenging sites around the islands. If diving isn't your thing, a boat trip from Tutukaka Harbour will take you to the reserve, where you can explore the enormous sea caves on a paddle board, including Rikoriko Cave—one of the world's largest.

New Zealand is calling, and whether you're diving beneath its waves or trekking through its forests, you'll want to stay connected. Don't miss a moment of your adventure—grab an eSIM from eDataSIM and explore this incredible country without the hassle of roaming charges. Stay online, share your experiences, and make the most of your journey.

Get your eDataSIM here.