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Tuesday, September 06, 2022
Whale Watching Kaikōura
New Zealand’s tourism operators are experts when it comes to sharing our beautiful landscapes and unique wildlife with visitors. Manuhiri (visitors) can also be part of the tiaki(opens in new window) (care) for our environment by choosing experiences run by Qualmarked operators(opens in new window) who are part of local conservation efforts.
Why not create an itinerary for your clients that actively supports the natural wonders(opens in new window) they will see in New Zealand?
Spot marvellous marine life
New Zealand has spectacular marine life all around its coastline and many of our tourism operators play an important role in conservation research that helps to protect it.
The Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari(opens in new window) is a marine research vessel that operates from downtown Auckland. Its eco-cruise offers the chance to see whales, dolphins, seals and rare seabirds. Guests can chat to the marine researchers on-board and ticket sales also contribute directly to marine conservation.
In the South Island, the famous Whale Watch Kaikōura(opens in new window) contributes to scientific research through its detailed record keeping of whale sightings. As a Māori-owned company, it also has a special relationship with the wider Kaikōura eco-system and works to preserve the whales’ environment.
Further south, in the coastal town of Ōamaru, you can step into the world of the little blue penguin while staying on dry land. At dusk, grandstand seating offers great views as the blue penguin colony returns to its nesting burrows on shore from a busy day of fishing. Proceeds from the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony(opens in new window) contribute towards penguin conservation and research programmes.
The penguins are most active from September to February. For a closer view of the birds as they arrive, book the Premium Viewing option (limited to 60 seats) so your clients can see them from just a few metres away.
Try hands-on conservation in Wanaka
Travellers seeking to be part of hands-on conservation will love two very special experiences in beautiful Wānaka(opens in new window).
Book a trip with Eco Wanaka(opens in new window) to Mou Waho Island – a predator-free nature reserve in the middle of Lake Wānaka. This trip combines a lake cruise, guided nature walk and wildlife encounter and the chance to plant a native tree on the island.
The Conservation Safari with Ridgeline(opens in new window) in Wānaka includes native tree care and trap checking on a 4WD trip into Wanaka’s spectacular and rugged high country.
Time travel in predator-free zones
There are places in New Zealand where you can step back in time – before the arrival of predators – and listen to the forest come alive with the calls of native birds and the scurrying of wildlife.
These predator-free zones have eliminated the rats, stoats and possums that threaten New Zealand’s native wildlife and are open for visitors to explore.
Sanctuary Mountain(opens in new window) in the Waikato is one of the largest pest-proof fenced projects in the world, with a 47km barrier surrounding its 3,400 hectares of native bush. It is home to many of New Zealand’s most endangered species, including kiwi and other native birds, bats, frogs, tuatara and giant wētā. Guided day tours and private night tours are available.
Zealandia(opens in new window) in central Wellington is a 252-hectare pest-free wilderness with natural forest, lakes and historical buildings. A range of guided tours(opens in new window) are available during the day and at night.
Just north of Dunedin is Orokonui Ecosanctuary(opens in new window), a flagship biodiversity project in the South Island, with guided tours of the forest site available through local company UntamedNZ(opens in new window).
And in the very south of New Zealand is Ulva Island, a predator-free bird sanctuary that is part of beautiful Rakiura (Stewart Island), with guided walks available(opens in new window).
See kiwi up close
What would a visit to New Zealand be without seeing a kiwi? Not the locals (although they’re a great bunch) – we’re talking about the native, nocturnal, flightless bird that is our national icon.
There are breeding programmes around the country that are hatching and raising the birds for release, as conservation groups work hard to restore kiwi numbers in the wild.
The National Kiwi Hatchery(opens in new window) in Rotorua is the leading kiwi hatching programme and even had a visit from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex during their 2018 New Zealand tour. You can book your clients a unique ‘Behind the Scenes’ tour(opens in new window) and the chance to see a kiwi close-up.
In the South Island, the West Coast Wildlife Centre(opens in new window) in Franz Josef has a ‘VIP Backstage Pass Tour’(opens in new window) for its kiwi breeding programme. A senior Wildlife Ranger gives guests a tour of the kiwi incubation and rearing facility, with chicks available to view at certain times of year.
If your clients are seeking a truly immersive eco-travel experience, then the overnight tour with Kapiti Island Nature Tours(opens in new window) is a must-do.
This island nature reserve off the coast north of Wellington is home to more than 1,200 Little Spotted Kiwi, making it one of the most reliable opportunities to see New Zealand’s national bird in the wild.
The Overnight Kiwi Spotting Tour(opens in new window) offers a full day exploring the island, followed by a guided night walk in search of kiwi. Book a night for your clients to enjoy great Kiwi hospitality and delicious meals surrounded by stunning native bush and some of New Zealand’s most rare and beautiful native birds.
If time is short, your clients can see kiwi at a range of other attractions that have special darkened kiwi display houses as part of their conservation work. These include:
You can explore more of New Zealand’s natural wonders on traveltrade.newzealand.com(opens in new window)