Bird Watching

Whether you’re an ardent ‘twitcher’ in search of rare species, or simply want to hear some melodious birdsong, New Zealand’s fascinating bird population offers hours of entertainment.

More than 80 types of seabird breed along our shores. Some migrate annually from the other side of the world and others are only found within New Zealand waters.

Our native forests ring with birdsong and rare native species are thriving at open sanctuaries such as Tiritiri Matangi Island in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf, Motuara Island in the Marlborough Sounds and Kapiti Island close to Wellington.

2008 Tourism Award winner Karori Sanctuary, also located near Wellington, offers close encounters with some of New Zealand’s rarest wildlife. Explore well-formed tracks through 225 hectares (one square mile) of regenerating native forest with the help of your knowledgeable guide.

Feature Presentation WELCOME TO NEW BIRDLAND Before humans arrived, New Zealand was a land of the birds. Our only mammals were two species of bat, and even they were airborne. Photo credit: Tourism New Zealand Read More ›

You can also see most of New Zealand native bird species in bird parks, reserves and zoos throughout the country.