Our tours: our trip style and birding philosophy

Small groups

Photo courtesy DOC

Birding Tours New Zealand offers an opportunity to see the wonders of New Zealand’s unique birds the way they should be seen: from a quiet, small, exclusive group.

The groups have no more than 6 people. This gives them the small, intimate style so ideal for groups of friends or family as they enjoy the easy pace of the tours.

Birding Tours New Zealand can take you to some of the less frequented spots, where you can watch at your pace and leisure. Yet you travel in comfortable and relaxed convenience.

We look after you. Not only do we transport and accommodate you in the utmost comfort, we send you a complimentary copy of the definitive New Zealand birding field guide before you leave your home, and provide local maps and information to help you plan for travel in this country. See our terms and conditions.

Self-contained tour modules

Each tour is a self-contained birding module. You can combine several modules to make a comprehensive birding trip. Or you can fit one module into your holiday in NZ. (Pronounced "N ZED" down under.)

We can develop an itinerary for you based on your interests, or you can design your own and we can provide current and local information on a variety of items such as weather, dinning accommodation, traveling options, road conditions and times. Let us help you get the most out your visit to New Zealand.

Price

Prices are moderate, but they vary depending of the length of the trip and option selection. As a benchmark, however, the one-day tour of Estuary and Lake near Christchurch is US$250. As we discuss your tour and your requirements we can give you specific prices. We give you a quality experience that is priceless for a price you will find reasonable.

Daily routine on tour

Our tours will follow a format of birding and wildlife study from pickup through to midday enjoying a quality catered midday meal and of course having “smoko” (morning and afternoon tea). The day will wind up with a stay at some of the very highest quality luxury accommodations with the opportunity to enjoy the fine wines and cuisine of these world class facilities.

For the very keen and depending on the location there will be opportunity to see Penguins and if lucky the great spotted kiwi (more likely to hear them.) Other night features can be the soft sounds of the Morepork Owl (ruru, shown above) and the amazing southern night sky (weather permitting of course). After a relaxing and comfortable night the trail restarts the next morning.

Terms and conditions, and safety on our tours

We have clear, fair terms and conditions that will help you as you plan your birding trip with us.

Safety of birds and birders is a first consideration for us. We have an approved safety plan, and all our tours meet rigorous safety requirements.

A local birding guide is best!

Birding can be an elusive activity, and everything can be in place except the bird itself. But the joy is in the chase as well as the sighting. Birding Tours New Zealand will assist in creating the opportunity to observe New Zealand’s Birdlife as well as its natural attributes and wildlife. You are a discerning birder, and we give you a quality birding tour. Period.

Some 20 years ago we left the US to live and work in New Zealand. The benefits of our local knowledge and contacts enhances your visit to New Zealand by enabling you:

Observe an excellent variety of New Zealand Birds
Focus on a Species of particular interest
Gain a first hand and in depth understanding of the New Zealand's environment and natural history
Improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your visit which can allow you more time for other interesting activities as well

We look forward to taking you birding here in New Zealand.

Click below for more information.

The tour itineraries
Where we take you and birds you will see.

Prices
Costs and prices.

How we conduct our tours
Notes on our style, philosophy, and what we do for all our clients.

Terms and Conditions
The legal stuff.

Our Safety Plan and Record
How we manage your safety and that of the birds we watch.