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North Island

Start: Rotorua or Tauranga
Locations: Rotorua, Tauranga
Duration: 1 day
Travel Time: 7 hours
Difficulty: 2
Minimum Age: 8

Experience Some of New Zealand's Best Bird Watching

Spend the day visiting some of the Bay of Plenty and Rotorua region's most rewarding birding locations in search of New Zealand's unique native birdlife. Accompanied by an experienced guide, you'll explore wetlands, lakes and ancient rainforest while learning about the conservation efforts helping protect some of the country's rarest species.

Birds regularly sighted on the tour include bar-tailed godwits, royal spoonbills, wrybills, kingfishers, fantails, New Zealand dabchicks, scaup, kākā, tomtits and North Island robins. Combining exceptional wildlife viewing with fascinating natural history, this tour is ideal for birdwatchers, photographers and nature lovers alike

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Whirinaki Forest: See rare and endangered forest birds such as the kaka, yellow-crowned kakariki, and whio among ancient 1000-year-old trees.
  • Shorebird Sites: Spot shorebirds like NZ dotterels, bar-tailed godwits, and royal spoonbills around the Bay of Plenty.
  • Personalised Experience: Tailor your bird-watching tour based on the species you wish to see.
  • Expert Guidance: Benefit from the knowledge and expertise of experienced birding guides.
  • Full-day guided bird watching tour
  • Experienced local wildlife guide
  • Return transport from Rotorua or Tauranga
  • Visits to wetlands, lakes and native rainforest
  • Wildlife and conservation commentary
  • Opportunities to spot a variety of native New Zealand bird species

What to Bring

  • Sturdy walking shoes or boots suitable for forest terrain
  • A small backpack for water and extra clothing
  • Layers of clothing (t-shirt, warm jumper, waterproof jacket)
  • Optional items: personal binoculars and a camera
  • Duration: Full Day (approximately 9:00am – 4:00pm)
  • Departure Locations: Rotorua or Tauranga
  • Tour Type: Guided Bird Watching Tour
  • Suitable For: Birdwatchers, photographers, wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers
  • Fitness Level: Easy
  • Group Size: Small group experience
  • Adult: 17 years +
  • Children: 8-16 years
  • Minimum Age: 8 years
  • 14 days or more before departure: Full refund**
  • 2-13 days before departure: 15% cancellation fee**
  • Within 48 hours before departure: No refund

**Note: Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount. Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.*

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