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New Zealand Travel Guide powered by advice from Real Travelers

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photo by Real Traveler Kyle & Dan

Plan a wildlife viewing vacation for an experience you'll never forget. Cities can provide a quick glimpse of your favorite critters, while safaris, wildlife parks, or a trip to a rainforest will give you the adventure of a lifetime. Most areas with large populations of animals provide touring services and accommodations so that even if you’re not an animal expert, a guide will help you follow the path of the herd and understand the animals in their environment better.

 see top cities    see top trip blogs

Top Destinations for Wildlife Viewing

Top wildlife viewing cities

  • Cb4d08c7ccdc50138917f6c8fed1208b
    photo by Real Traveler Jamie and Tal

    Kaikoura

    Kaikoura is a faorite destination for whale watching, dolphin swimming and natural sightseeing. Located at the foot of the southern alps and leading to the coast of New Zealand, naturalist travelers will appreciate the wealth of wildlife and the great s... read more »

  • 59bd0fe48cf27eecfa0971d7fbcb5666
    photo by Real Traveler Tony & Elizabeth

    Dunedin

    Situated on the south-eastern coast of New Zealand's South Island, Dunedin possesses a unique combination of cultural riches, fine architecture, and world-famous wildlife reserves on the Otago Peninsula. It is New Zealand's oldest city and its art galle... read more »

  • Ee7b00c26b274c975403fb8c1b205adc
    photo by Real Traveler Kyle & Dan

    Auckland

    Auckland is the gateway to New Zealand and its largest city. Almost entirely surrounded by water, and covered with volcanic hills, the city has a spectacular harbor and infinite possibilities. Wherever the visitor may be at any given moment, there is th... read more »

  • 5f19b69128aed90d90efbb887918c072
    photo by Real Traveler Beats working!

    Christchurch

    This popular southern New Zealand city is a great destination for tourists looking for simple English-style charm. Take a boat across Avon Banks, explore the Cathedral Square, check out the wooden villas in Akaroa, or try skiing on mount Hutt. read more »

  • Be5377df92c26c94d3471eed543ab130
    photo by Real Traveler Kyle & Dan

    Queenstown

    This southern New Zealand town is known as a ski resort and winter getaway. Skiing, hiking and boating are favorite activities, while wine-tasting and cultural food sampling are another attraction for outside travelers. read more »

  • 1b44d8cd9b62f02e0c272403aa073e09
    photo by Real Traveler MariaFD

    Abel Tasman National Park

    A fantastic national park, Abel Tasman offers travelers scenic beaches, great weather and plenty of activities to partake in. Camping, kayaking, sailing and diving are all possible here, though you might just enjoy relaxing on the beach for a few hours. read more »

  • 906d8089885e58829707166802064dfd
    photo by Real Traveler The Ryans

    Waitomo Caves

    Millions of visitors come to explore the wonders of the Waitomo caves each year, and for good reason. This labyrinth of caves is a treasure trove of gorgeous limestone and coral formations with beautiful stalagmites and stalactites decorating the cave w... read more »

  • E50f633ca0fe5d943a6afdd9faf38ce9
    photo by Real Traveler The World Wide Webbs

    Rotorua

    This northern New Zealand city is well known as a spa resort, with natural geysers and hot mud pools for visitors to relax in. Volcanic islands allow for more outdoor attractions, as well as hiking, biking and rafting opportunities. There are also parks... read more »

  • F54ffe25cf0e45b278505e5b23c38dbf
    photo by Real Traveler Jenn Jenn

    Oamaru

    Oamaru is a pleasant South New Zealand destination, enjoyed by ecotourists both for its classical architecture and the population of small penguins which live on the coastline. Fishing areas and rolling hills surrounding the restored buildings make for... read more »

  • 285a7c26fde6f05b5c5c5c4922093dd3
    photo by Real Traveler Tim P

    Milford Sound

    One of the most stunning locations in the world, Milford Sound is situated within the Fiordland National Park. Sheer rock faces that rise 1,200 meters and lush rainforests cover these cliffs with waterfalls streaming down. The breathtaking beauty is en... read more »

Top Five Wildlife Viewing Trip Blogs

  • Bewitching

    Jet Lag, and New Zealands Largest City | May 24 06'

    by Bewitching a 26 year old female from Kingston upon Hull, on vacation in Auckland

    "After a few routine questions and a swift stamp I was let into New Zealand"

    Well, we landed in Auckland at a pretty reasonable time - unfortunately we didnt know what that time was and it took us a good 20 minutes to a... Continue reading »

  • James and Naomi

    New Zealand - (mostly) The North Island | Jan 30 07'

    by James and Naomi a traveling as a couple from Bristol, on vacation in Auckland

    "'It's a good job the sheep aren't violent otherwise we'd all be in trouble'"

    Well, I'm pleased to report that we did get to see some whales on our trip in Kaikoura. Braving the sea sickness warnings and increasing swell, we... Continue reading »

  • DixieJen

    the rest of the north | Sep 10 06'

    by DixieJen a 26 year old female from Derby, on vacation in North Island

    hello hello!!As i have gotten a bit behind on my blog writing i have decided to do one entry for the North Island and one for the South. So after a... Continue reading »

  • Jamie and Tal

    Kaikoura | Feb 05 07'

    by Jamie and Tal a real traveler from London, on vacation in Kaikoura

    We left Blenheim this morning and headed south towards Kaikoura, a small town set in the lee of the Kaikoura Peninsula. On the way we passed the So... Continue reading »

  • ScottA

    Whale- and seal-watching in Kaikoura | May 23 06'

    by ScottA a 30 year old male, on vacation in Kaikoura

    "Back into your seats please, we have a whale dead ahead!"

    (Check out the more photos options for more pix of whales, seals, and birds in action!)The start of my Stray journey started off slowly, but pleasa... Continue reading »

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