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Discover South Island: Nature Tours with Wildlife Encounters and Scenic Landscapes

South Island Nature & Wildlife Tours invite you to discover some of the most breathtaking landscapes and incredible wildlife encounters New Zealand has to offer. From rugged coastlines and majestic glaciers to ancient rainforests and peaceful fiords, every corner of the South Island offers something spectacular for nature enthusiasts. Guided experiences bring you closer to rare species and awe-inspiring scenery, ensuring every day is filled with wonder.

A standout destination is the Otago Peninsula, where you can witness rare Royal Albatrosses, yellow-eyed penguins, and New Zealand fur seals in their natural coastal habitats. Knowledgeable guides share fascinating insights into the behaviours and conservation efforts surrounding these remarkable creatures, all set against the backdrop of sweeping cliffs and ocean vistas.

Wildlife Adventures from Mountains to the Sea

Fiordland National Park offers some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in the country, with towering waterfalls, dramatic fiords, and lush rainforests waiting to be explored. Cruising through Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound is an experience like no other, where you might spot dolphins leaping beside your boat or even catch a glimpse of a whale in the crystal-clear waters. The sheer scale and untouched beauty of Fiordland leave a lasting impression on all who visit.

Further south, Stewart Island is a paradise for birdwatchers and those craving a deeper connection with nature. Here, you can embark on night-time kiwi-spotting tours or explore Ulva Island, a predator-free sanctuary teeming with native birdlife. On the West Coast, marvel at the ancient glaciers of Franz Josef and Fox through guided hikes or scenic helicopter flights, and for marine wildlife enthusiasts, Kaikoura promises unforgettable encounters with sperm whales and dusky dolphins in a stunning ocean setting.

Additional reading

Akaroa Nature and Wildlife Tours

New Zealand fur seal swimming in the waters off Banks Peninsula near Akaroa

Christchurch Nature & Wildlife Tours

Sperm whale tail dripping water in Kaikōura with mountains in background

Dunedin Nature and Wildlife Tours

A group of little blue penguins gathered on the sandy shore of the Otago Peninsula at night.

Kaikoura Nature and Wildlife Tours

A dolphin leaps from the water in front of two kayakers in Kaikōura.

Marlborough Sounds Nature and Wildlife Tours

Tour group swimming close to a pod of dolphins in open Marlborough waters.

Stewart Island Nature and Wildlife Tours

Brown Kiwi foraging on the beach at night, Stewart Island Rakiura

West Coast Glaciers Nature Tours

Three kōtuku white herons perched on tree branches at Ōkārito Lagoon on the West Coast

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