Seals Kaikoura

New Zealand Wildlife Holidays

Unique wildlife across land and sea

Explore New Zealand’s natural world at your own pace, discovering creatures and habitats found nowhere else on Earth.

New Zealand is one of the world’s most rewarding destinations for wildlife enthusiasts. From seabird colonies and ancient forests to glowing caves and colourful coral reefs, the country offers an extraordinary diversity of encounters both above and below the surface.

Whether you’re passionate about birdwatching, marine life, or simply immersing yourself in pristine natural habitats, a wildlife holiday to New Zealand can tailored to your group’s needs.

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

New Zealand’s underground worlds are just as mesmerising. The famous Waitomo Caves on the North Island, alongside the glowworm caves near Te Anau in Fiordland showcase surreal bioluminescent displays. Drifting silently through these caves by boat feels like floating under a star-filled sky.

New Zealand South Island wildlife

Abel Tasman National Park is famed for its golden beaches and turquoise waters, but it’s also home to an incredible range of flora and fauna. Forests of native beech and manuka provide shelter for birds like tūī and bellbirds, while fur seals bask on rocky outcrops and dolphins are often spotted in the bays. Kayaking, walking trails, and boat tours allow you to explore this natural haven from different perspectives.

Hawke’s Bay Holidays

Cape Kidnappers in Hawke’s Bay is home to the world’s largest mainland gannet colony. Here, you can watch thousands of birds nesting and diving dramatically into the sea in search of fish. It’s a rare opportunity to witness one of nature’s most spectacular seabird gatherings up close.

Underwater Life in the Bay of Islands

The Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve, off the Bay of Islands, is considered one of the world’s best dive sites. Rich reefs support a kaleidoscope of fish, rays, and corals, while orca and dolphins are often sighted in the surrounding waters. Snorkelling and diving here are unforgettable experiences.

New Zealand wildlife tours

On land, under water, in the air, and even beneath the ground, New Zealand offers wildlife experiences unlike anywhere else. From hiking trails alive with native birdsong to offshore islands teeming with marine life, every region has its own unique encounters waiting to be discovered.

Trips in New Zealand

New Zealand Trip Inspiration

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Ali on safari

Our New Zealand specialist, Ali, says:

"New Zealand offers countless unforgettable wildlife encounters, but for me, whale watching in Kaikōura stands out. Seeing giant sperm whales up close in their natural environment is an extraordinary experience, and one that stays with you long after the trip."

Speak to a New Zealand expert today

and start planning your tailor-made holiday

Call 0203 111 1315
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Ali 1

Alistair

New Zealand Expert

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs About Your New Zealand Wildlife Holidays Holiday

Planning a holiday to New Zealand Wildlife Holidays? Our experts share advice on everything from what to pack, when to go, to tips for families, covering the questions we get asked the most.

Shirley Newman

What can I say….my son and myself had the most wonderful time in Kenya thanks to the first-class itinerary that Ben and Louise put together for us. We spoke with Ben many times to ensure he ‘got it right’. This was our 2nd visit to Kenya, and it certainly lived up to our expectations and memories. We stayed in four locations, firstly at the wonderful El Karama Lodge, Laikipia Wildlife Conservancy, where we even had a visit from Ruth from Far and Wild! Then, for a return visit, to Saruni Samburu, which is absolutely stunning and still one of our favourite places in the world. Next came Basecamp Mara Camp, where we saw our first Cheetah, the only animal we didn’t see on our first visit. After that, onto the wonderful Leopards Hill in the Naiboisho Conservancy, what a way to spend the last four days of this trip. Here we finally spent many hours with a beautiful leopard. Throughout our time in Kenya, we saw many lions, giraffes, elephants, ostriches, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards, to name just a few. Nothing was too much trouble for all the staff; we cannot have been looked after any better. Since our return again Ben phoned to see how it went in addition to emails. I would highly recommend Far and Wild; they are so knowledgeable and have personally visited the lodges and areas. We are already planning another visit, and we cannot wait.

16 Aug 2025
Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

17 Sept 2025
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

31 Jul 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

3 Jul 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

28 Jun 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

5 Jun 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

5 Jun 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

5 Jun 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

5 Jun 2024

Plan with an expert

Have a look at our original experiences and then contact us with your questions, or call 0203 111 1315

A tailor-made itinerary just for you

Our experts will send you a detailed holiday itinerary specified to your desires. It's our service promise to you.

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