Which Animals to Observe in New Zealand?

New Zealand is especially renowned for the beauty of its landscapes, but it has other assets. How about watching whales, swimming with dolphins, approaching seals in kayaks or discovering innumerable species of birds and parrots unknown to the general public?

I have selected accessible locations close to Kiwipal's itineraries and left out the zoos and aquariums to favor the natural environments (I will make an exception for kiwis).

However, if certain species can be approached within a reasonable distance, others like the penguins are shyer.

It will be necessary to temper your enthusiasm so as not to frighten these creatures accustomed to their tranquility. We will also talk about security, because even if the country does not possess dangerous species for man, there are some guidelines to respect.

New Zealand proves to be a paradise populated by incredible animal species that must absolutely be discovered! This is an additional reason, if you needed one more, to have a dream holiday in the land of kiwis (and sheep ...).

It is sometimes surprising that a country of rugby players and sailors has chosen the most innocuous of birds as an official mascot.

But the affection of the New Zealanders for this curious little animal is easy to explain. The kiwi is cute, comical in its clumsy gait and yet endowed with a true fighting spirit.

Because he only comes out at nightfall to avoid predators, the Kiwi is difficult to observe outside the animal reserves. Fortunately, night outings accompanied by a guide in the Zealandia sanctuary in Wellington are often successful.

The park at Rainbow Springs in Rotorua also has a large enclosure for this long-billed bird.

If you return to the park in the evening (your ticket purchased during day-time will still be valid), you can discreetly observe some busy kiwis searching for earthworms in the ground.

In the nature, however, failing to meet a kiwi in the moonlight, you will have a good chance to hear his cry resound in the forest.

Easily recognizable the song of a kiwi changes completely according to whether it is a male or a female.

It would be necessary to have a heart of stone not to fall in love with such cute animal! The species is now threatened, so do not miss your chance to observe Kiwis, the next generation might not have such privilege!

Rather than draw up an endless list, I will introduce you to the places where you will have the most chance to admire the most famous birds of New Zealand.

Located in the ancient reservoirs of the capital of New Zealand, the nature reserve of Zealandia can be visited with or without a guide.

Nevertheless, the presence of a guide is strongly recommended exploring the kilometers of trails and to know where to look for birds. Perched in the trees, the Kererus and Tuis are magnificent species that are easy to spot.

But the great star of the park is undoubtedly the Kakapo, a parrot threatened with extinction, strangely attracted by the man ...

You will often encounter black birds with large colored legs on the beaches of Abel Tasman and Cathedral Cove. The Oystercatchers are searching for food in the sand. They are easy to photograph as they are estimated to number more than one hundred thousand individuals in the country.

You will have to wake up early in the morning to admire the famous reflection of the Lake Matheson. But if the weather is bad, you can console yourself by watching a pukeko. This bird with a blue plumage and a red beak explores swamps to find its daily food.

You certainly did not decide to visit New Zealand to admire seagulls, although the presence of several thousand of them on the beaches of Kaikoura evokes the famous movie by Alfred Hitchcock, “the birds”.

The Albatross Encounter tour operator proposes boat excursions to approach the albatrosses that fish offshore, and whose wingspan can reach three meters fifty!

The kea is the only mountain parrot and also the most intelligent bird in the world. Curious and not very afraid by humans, the kea comes to meet you in the car parks to beg for food or to attack the rubber joints of your vehicle (an obsession that characterizes it).

Unable to fly, stubborn and curious, the weka from the West Coast is at least as much loved as he is hated by New Zealanders.

Often confused with the Kiwi by tourists, he has nothing in common with the mascot of the country.

Able to put an incredible mess in an entire house to find food, the weka does not fear the humans he sometimes follows as a real pot of glue.

The wekas are no longer as numerous as in the last century, but the species is not threatened and you will often encounter them in the West Coast. Be careful not to crush them by car, they have the annoying habit of crossing the road while ignoring the vehicles.

If the presence of a guide is not essential to approach fur seals, I advise you to observe a security distance of at least ten meters with these imposing creatures, if only for the smell (one can spend half his life in the water without smelling good), but mostly not to irritate the mothers who are very protective towards their babies.

The exploration of Abel Tasman National Park by kayak is a great classic that allows to admire the fur seals. They usually sunbathe on the rocks of Tonga Island, Pinnacle Island and Separation Point.

In the even more spectacular panorama of the Milford Sound, the colony of fur seals is not systematically visible from cruise ships.

Once again, kayak is a better option, even if the price to pay will be higher!

Finally, travel guides often mention the presence of fur seals at Shag Point (not far from the Moeraki Boulders and Dunedin), but Kaikoura is the best spot: the peninsula has an impressive colony of fur seals and a well-hidden “nursery” (I will reveal the exact location on Kiwipal later).

Your chances of observing whales are close to 100% all year round!

Cruises are organized to approach the largest marine mammal on the planet, known as “giant sperm whales” because of an old scientific error. Of course, the tour organized by Whale Watch is not free and you will have to pay $145 per adult and 60 $ per child for the privilege of approaching the whales!

The boats approach whales that surface and spat out their jet of water as you have already seen on TV.

But the real spectacle occurs when the whale plunges and its huge tail finally gives a glimpse of its gigantic size!

Some people are frustrated, however, to only spot only a “small part” of the whale.In this case, the ideal is to exchange the boat for a helicopter of the company “world of whales”. Seen from the sky and in fine weather, one can clearly distinguish the colossal form of the whale.

A helicopter excursion allows to admire several whales and to benefit from the exceptional panorama of the peninsula. Alas! The activity that lasts a half hour only is a luxury that is not given to everyone (count $325 per person for a couple, and $220 per person if four passengers are present).

The Kaikoura Peninsula attracts not only whales, but, in my opinion, is the best swimming spot with dolphins all over New Zealand. The shoals of dusky dolphins count up to two hundred individuals and are renowned to play with swimmers!

The Kaikoura Encounter's pricing is certainly higher than anywhere else in the country, but the quality of the experience is second to none. Only downside is the need to swim with a combination even in summer, as the water is a bit too cold.

Most travelers are unaware of the existence of the only village founded by Frenchmen in New Zealand. Located on the Banks Peninsula, three quarters of an hour's drive from Christchurch, Akaroa is a jewel and the second-best spot in New Zealand to swim with dolphins.

The “Black Cat” company proposes an excursion (in swimming combination) of excellent quality. The little dog that climbs aboard the ship is called Captain Hector and his barking seem capable of replacing the sonar to locate the dolphins!

The Bay of Islands concentrates the largest number of tour operators dedicated to swimming with the dolphins. Departures are made indifferently from the cities of Paihia or Russell, but I recommend Russell, because the setting is magnificent.

I'm not a big fan of the very touristic activities, but Dolphin Cruise deliver a very professional service.

The water is warm enough in summer to bathe without combination but you can use one to feel more comfortable.

Once in the water, you should stir in all directions to attract the attention of the dolphins.

Between the New Zealanders and the possum, it is a war without mercy!

The government injects 100 million dollars each year to exterminate this species. In less than fifteen years, the number of possums has decreased from 70 to 30 million in the country.

The poor beast, however, would need a lawyer, for it was the Westerners who introduced him in the country during the past century to trade the fur.

In reality, New Zealanders had the choice between fighting the possum or accepting the rapid disappearance of the country's forests.

Should we press the accelerator as if a possum crossing the road? As a simple tourist, you can show mercy, but do not give food to a possum, a food that he does not need at all since he devours everything in its path!

Above all, there are behaviors to be avoided, for example to block the retreat of a fur seal towards the ocean, or to pass between parents and their babies.

The playful character of fur seals babies and their curiosity amuses the travelers, but it is better to keep distances to avoid irritating parents who are never far away.

In the list of bad habits, one finds especially the regrettable mania of nourishing the animals to get a better photo...

Of course, the animal is often the one who is demanding, but kea is not a pigeon and its claws are capable of damaging cars or disfiguring unwise humans.

To admire the animals without disturbing them, you only have to bring a pair of binoculars (about thirty euros in sports shops). The binoculars allow you to observe timid species (such as penguins) by hiding yourself in shelters set up for this purpose by the Department of Conservation (DOC).

Forgive me for approaching the subject, but the road kills animal are legion, especially on the South Island. It is not always possible to avoid the poor beast that throws itself under the wheels of your vehicle ...

So do not take inconsiderate risks to avoid a hedgehog if there is traffic on the road behind you! In reality, many accidents are not due to collisions with animals, but to a sudden change of trajectory and speed.

Travelers sometimes imagine petting sheep or posing for a photograph with a cute lamb. But the sheep are usually very shy and will often run away as soon as you get off the car.

But if you will, I will leave aside our friends on all fours who are doing well, and talk about a last subject that is close to my heart. Threatened or endangered species are numerous in New Zealand.

I encourage you to participate in the Kiwis protection program. Hunted by predators, Kiwis babies have only a 5% chance of survival in the wilderness, but the figure climbs to 65% if they are followed and protected during their growth.

The association “Kiwis for Kiwis” uses the money it collects to help kiwi babies flourish from the incubator to adulthood. If you would like to contribute, the website of the association will explain how your dollars will be spent. Even a small donation can save the life of a kiwi!

I hope this guide will help you to enjoy your stay in New Zealand. If you have any questions, I advise you to ask our friend Ben the Kiwi. And do not forget to send us your photos and your selfies with sheep!