New Zealand’s Wonderful Wildlife

from 

AU$2,149

per person
 
Duration: 10 Nights
Destination: New Zealand
Region: New Zealand
Deal Code: PAQRH2U

 

 

Description

10Your holiday package includes:

  • $300 flight credit per person
  • 6 day car hire of a Toyota Corolla Hatch or similar, Dunedin to Picton
  • 2 nights accommodation in Dunedin
  • Peninsula Encounter Tour including Monarch Wildlife Cruise
  • 2 nights accommodation in Christchurch
  • Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise
  • 2 nights accommodation in Kaikoura
  • Wings Over Whales Flight
  • 2 nights accommodation in Picton
  • Early Bird Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary Visit & Walk
  • One-way Ferry from Picton to Wellington
  • 2 nights accommodation in Wellington
  • ZEALANDIA by Night

***Rate based on twin share for travel 4 to 14 August 2022***  

***Atlernative dates available, a surcharge may apply***

Peninsula Encounter Tour including Monarch Wildlife Cruise
Our knowledgeable guides deliver commentary of activity being viewed and visit isolated places inaccessible to others providing the best possible viewing of unique peninsula wildlife. Our private conservation area ensures exclusivity with brilliant opportunities to photograph Hooker's Sea lions, Yellow-eyed Penguins, Blue Penguins, a breeding colony of New Zealand Fur Seals and other sea bird colonies. At Wellers rock jetty you leave our tour to join the crew on the Monarch for a 60-minute cruise before re-joining with your Elm wildlife tour guide for the remainder of our half day tour. The Monarch option allows viewing of the entire Royal Albatross breeding area and usually allows viewing of Albatross flying or sitting on the ocean as well as seeing many other species who live and breed around the headland. After re-joining our tour a further 25-30 other estuarine and marine bird species are seen during the experience around the bays and lagoons. Within our conservation area close up unobtrusive viewing from beach locations and strategically placed observation hides is guaranteed. Most days Albatross are seen flying at Taiaroa headland, with a greater opportunity from our conservation area strategic observation point to see many other pelagic sea bird species flying close, including numerous petrel and shearwater species, and up to five other Albatross species are regularly seen and identified.

Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise
An exclusive and intimate 2-hour harbour nature cruise on our luxurious catamaran. We accommodate a small number of guests so you are able to enjoy a more personal cruise experience around the spectacular seascape including sea caves, high cliffs and volcanic rock formations. Akaroa Harbour is home to the smallest and rarest dolphins in the world, the Hector's dolphin. A cruise around Akaroa Harbour is the perfect way to view these amazing creatures, along with fascinating birdlife, New Zealand fur seals and penguins in their natural habitat. Our expert crew are well trained in spotting these animals, including our on-board dolphin spotting dogs who can hear underwater sonar activity.

Wings Over Whales Flight
Whale watching by aeroplane offers a unique perspective and the opportunity to view whales and dolphins in their natural environment without experiencing sea sickness. From the air passengers can experience the true magnitude of the world's largest mammal, the whale. These animals can reach an impressive 18 metres in length and weigh up to 60 tonne! Whales and dolphins are orbited at a height of 150 metres giving you the opportunity to clearly see and photograph these incredible creatures. You will also view the entire whale from head to tail as they breathe on the surface of the ocean. Wings Over Whales Kaikoura operate high-winged aircraft, which allows each person their own window seat and optimal, unobstructed viewing.

Early Bird Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary Visit & Walk
Cruise to Motuara Island and arrive to morning bird song. You will have approximately two hours to explore the island. Motuara Island bird sanctuary is a predator-free safe haven for many rare species including the South Island Saddleback and Bush Robin. Small Blue Penguins nest in boxes alongside the track that gradually climbs to a lookout above the forest canopy.

ZEALANDIA by Night
Explore the sanctuary by torchlight as your guide leads you in search of some of the more distinctive sights and sounds of New Zealand’s native forest. Experience many of the rare and endangered species and see those which only come out at night. See unique species such as wētā, glow worms, and tuatara. Your group may see some of the 150 little spotted kiwi who call ZEALANDIA home - sightings of kiwi are common on these tours (circa 80%), but are not guaranteed. Gain insights into New Zealand’s natural history and the significance of the unique species within Māori culture. The tour will end with a replenishing cup of hot kawakawa (bushman’s tea) in the Visitors Centre.

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Terms & Conditions

Prices listed are per person in Australian/New Zealand Dollars, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking. Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 13 June 2022 and can be withdrawn without notice. Cabin categories include prepaid government fees and port taxes unless otherwise stated. Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Visas are not included. Air credit is applicable on airline of choice, subject to availability and subject to the carriers’ flight schedules and conditions. Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.