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New Zealand Wildlife Attractions and Encounters
Swim with the playful Hector’s Dolphins, Akaroa Harbour

New Zealand Wildlife Encounters

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See New Zealand’s incredible array of wildlife on land and in the water by exploring our many wildlife parks, tours and animal encounters. From whale watching and swimming with dolphins to kiwi-spottting, you’ll love meeting the many fascinating creatures that make New Zealand home.

Wildlife Encounters Options

Bird Watching

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No matter if you’re an avid birdwatcher or just want to hear melodious birdsong, you’ll love New Zealand’s fascinating bird species.

Kiwi

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The squat, brown, flightless, nocturnal bird known as the Kiwi is our national icon, and no trip to New Zealand is complete without seeing one!

Dolphins

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You will never forget the magical experience of encountering dolphins face-to-face in their natural habitat on a dolphin watching or swimming tour.

Other Wildlife

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New Zealand is home to many unique and strange creatures! Discover some of our more unusual wildlife and meet some interesting characters.

Penguins

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Penguins are cute little creatures guaranteed to make you smile. Visit any of New Zealand’s penguin species with a special penguin experience.

Seals

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See fur seals basking lazily on the rocks, or hop on a boat cruise, go kayaking or even get wet and go seal swimming to meet them up close.

Whale Watching

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Marvel at whales breaking the ocean surface as you watch from a boat or plane, entranced at seeing these majestic creatures in the wild.

Zoos & Wildlife Parks

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New Zealand’s modern zoos and wildlife parks are focused on the conservation efforts, and offer unique animal encounters opportunities.

Fascinating creatures

New Zealand is home to an incredible array of creatures, both native and exotic, and encounters with our wildlife are a very special part of your New Zealand holiday experience. Whether you see animals in the wild or visit them in a conservation or wildlife park, make sure you take the time to meet some of our more endearing personalities.

In a country devoid of many land mammals, the popular animals to look out for tend to live in the water or in the treetops. Seals, dolphins, penguins and whales can all be discovered on or near the coastline. New Zealand is also home to an amazing array of birdlife, including the famous (although flightless) Kiwi – our national icon!

Visit zoos and wildlife parks all over New Zealand to see fascinating creatures, or book a wildlife encounter and spot some of our ‘usual suspects’ in their natural habitats.

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