New Zealand wildlife vacation

Planet

This itinerary includes trips to some of New Zealand's best national parks and reserves, such as Stewart Island's Raikura National Park. By visiting these sites (all entrance fees are included in your luxury tour), you are supporting the preservation and conservation of these areas, and indicating to authorities that tourists are interested in protecting New Zealand's incredible natural environments, which in turn provides more funding for these regions.

During wildlife encounters in New Zealand, please do not get too close to animals or depart from the usual track. You should be as quiet as possible and do not make any noises to attract or frighten the wildlife. Of course you’ll be excited if you spot a seal or a kiwi, but you should try to express your excitement quietly.

In New Zealand's rural environments, please ensure that you don’t leave any litter – everything you carry in, you must carry out. Aside from the environmental damage, litter can be harmful to the wildlife.

The whale and dolphin watching excursions by boat and air are provided by responsible local companies who hold a Department of Conservation SMART (Sustainable Marine Mammal Actions in Recreation and Tourism) permit, as we can ensure that these local companies are committed to the conservation of New Zealand’s marine mammals.

In New Zealand's rural environments, please ensure that you don’t leave any litter – everything you carry in, you must carry out. Aside from the environmental damage, litter can be harmful to the wildlife.

We also make a special effort to recommend accommodation providers which have responsible and sustainable initiatives. For example, Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses in Kaikoura (Kaikoura was the first local authority in the world be given the status of a Green Globe certified community), an eco-friendly and family-run retreat with initiatives such as organic homegrown produce from their garden, sourcing local products, hand-crafted furniture made by local people, zero waste policies (reduce, recycle and compost), responsibly sourced building materials and energy management policies.

People

As with all of our luxury vacations, this itinerary has been crafted to ensure that it positively effects the local communities and environments visited. All the local guides referred to in this itinerary are paid a fair wage. We believe that using local guides is important, as it helps generate local incomes and creates jobs, plus it offers a more authentic travel experience.

We recommend independent local hotels, lodges, guesthouses and campsites, rather than international chain hotels, which helps support local communities and allows you to experience true Kiwi hospitality. For example, Prospect Lodge in Te Anau is a family-run property managed by Ross and Joan Cockburn, who provide welcoming homestay-style experience. Ross is the locally-elected representative for local government agency Environment Southland and both are passionate about farming and tourism industries in the area.

This tour also includes insights into the country's rich history with visits to sites of Maori significance, including the historic Port William and Ulva Island; as well as key places such as Dunedin, which has rich Scottish heritage.

There are also plenty of opportunities for trying New Zealand's iconic cuisine, with home-cooked meals at independent boutique hotels and samplings of locally-made wines.