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New Zealand - South Island Endemics

© Black Stilts by Erik Forsyth

New Zealand supports a host of unusual endemic land birds and a rich assemblage of marine birds and mammals. We start our tour in the beautiful grasslands of the Mackenzie region of the South Island where we will take in the beauty of the Southern Alpine range,  while looking for the critically endangered Black Stilt, before hiking through pristine Red Beech forest surrounded by breathtaking glacier-lined mountains, where the massive Kea (an Alpine parrot) can be found. In Fiordland National Park, our targets will include Blue Duck, the cute New Zealand Rockwren and New Zealand Falcon, before catching our ferry to the rugged Stewart Island in search of Southern Brown Kiwi, Yellow-eyed and Fiordland Crested Penguins and a pelagic outing visiting several nearby islands in search of a variety of seabirds including 8 species of albatross! Our final destination will be Dunedin, where a visit to a Northern Royal Albatross colony will certainly be amongst the many highlights of this rewarding tour. With excellent lodging and meals, awe-inspiring scenery and fantastically friendly “Kiwis”, this is sure to be a tour of a lifetime!

Top Birds

Southern Brown Kiwi, Black Stilt, South Island Saddleback, Yellowhead, Rifleman, Black-fronted Tern, Kea, Wrybill and Blue Duck

Habitats Covered

forest, beach, estuary and pelagic at sea

Expected Climate

subtropical with chances for occasional rain

Max Group Size

8 with 1 Rockjumper Leader and local leaders where necessary

Tour Pace & Walking

easy pace with undemanding walks. Most walks are on trails in reserves. Trails tend to be flat with reasonable space, but can be a little slippery when wet.

Accommodation

good hotels, roads, facilities and wifi throughout etc

Ease of Birding

most species are easily seen in open habitat. Kiwi are found at night and are wary of sound and light, so a fair amount of luck is needed

Number of Species Expected

+-100

Other Attractions

Mt Cook scenery and glaciers, Southern Alpine Mountain Range, Mitre Peak Milford Sound, island life Stewart Island, picturesque city of Dunedin

Photographic Opportunities

good to excellent

What our clients say about us

Erik Forsyth
DF - New Zealand 2024

Erik is a fantastic leader and guide, with a great sense of humour and empathy. His knowledge and experience was first class, and he was entirely on top of the logistics throughout. All of which made this trip of a lifetime a total joy. Thank you!

Erik Forsyth
DE & NE, New Zealand

Erik was a delight to be with, as his sense of humour was a constant. Having him at the helm added an unexpected and pleasurable dimension to the whole trip. The entire trip was terrific: beautiful scenery, nice people, good beer and food, and comfy accommodations.

Erik Forsyth
KB, New Zealand 2017

Erik Forsyth is not only extremely knowledgeable but also accommodating and fun.

Erik Forsyth
DS & JS, New Zealand 2018

Erik Forsyth did a fine job of managing the group. He is a constitutionally positive person and conveyed a healthy sense of humour that was appreciated by the entire group. He clearly endeavoured to spend time with all of the members of the group which brought about good group cohesion. He met each person, regardless of their birding ability, and facilitated their birding experience.

Erik Forsyth
JM & MW, New Zealand 2017

Erik Forsyth is one of the best guides. Extraordinary knowledge of birds as well as New Zealand itself. Personable and cheerful with a wonderful sense of humour. He is attentive birders' needs and made every effort to meet and exceed any special needs. He knew where to try and find the endemics, and the only one we didn't see or hear was because of inclement weather. We would definitely travel with Erik again should that opportunity present itself.

New Zealand - South Island Endemics 2024

30 Nov 2024 - 09 Dec 2024 (10 days)

NZD6,695 - Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: Erik Forsyth

Tour price (Per person): NZD6,695 * USD4,017 * GBP3,217 * EUR3,742 * AUD6,108

Single Supplement: NZD850 * USD510 * GBP408 * EUR475 * AUD775

Can be linked with: New Zealand - North Island Endemics 2024

New Zealand - South Island Endemics 2025

24 Jan 2025 - 02 Feb 2025 (10 days)

NZD6,795 - Spaces Available

Book Now
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Tour Leader: Rockjumper Tour Leader TBC

Tour price (Per person): NZD6,795 * USD4,077 * GBP3,265 * EUR3,798 * AUD6,199

Single Supplement: NZD920 * USD552 * GBP442 * EUR514 * AUD839

Can be linked with: New Zealand - North Island Endemics 2025

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