The North Island of New Zealand supports a host of unusual endemic land birds and a rich assemblage of marine birds. Our North Island tour is designed to seek almost every possible endemic and take full advantage of fabulous scenery. Beginning in Auckland, we target North Island Brown Kiwi, amongst a multitude of other species that will no doubt be lifers. A pelagic excursion then takes place in the Hauraki Gulf in search of the recently rediscovered New Zealand Storm Petrel and a myriad of other species. Continuing to the fabled Tiritiri Matangi Island, we will bird this predator-free reserve for the prehistoric South Island Takahe, strange North Island Kokako and Saddleback, before combing the Miranda shoreline for the bizarre Wrybill and numerous migrant waders. From here we visit the scenic Tongariro National Park in the centre of the North Island where we check fast-flowing streams for the rare Blue Duck. We finish our time on the North Island visiting the famous Zealandia Reserve searching for the endangered Little Spotted Kiwi, New Zealand Falcon and Stitchbird. With excellent lodging and meals, awe-inspiring scenery and fantastically friendly “Kiwis”, this is sure to be a tour of a lifetime!
North Island Brown Kiwi, Little Spotted Kiwi, North Island Kokako, North Island Saddleback, Whitehead, Rifleman, Stitchbird, South Island Takahe, Wrybill and Blue Duck
forest, beach, estuary and pelagic at sea
subtropical with chances for occasional rain
8 with 1 Rockjumper Leader and local leaders where necessary
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.
good hotels, wifi etc
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.
+-100
Tongariro National Park
good to excellent
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.
The trip sounded good in the write-up but far exceeded our expectations. The pelagic trips were outstanding. The number of participants was perfect. Erik knew the birds and their calls/sounds and was very effective in getting everyone to see the birds. He called many pelagic IDs well before other people had even spotted the birds. Erik’s skills in managing the participants showed and his sense of humour added to his effectiveness. We thoroughly enjoyed our trip.
Erik Forsyth is a brilliant tour leader and birder; I would definitely like to travel with him again in the future!
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 is not only extremely knowledgeable but also accommodating and fun.
09 Dec 2024 - 17 Dec 2024 (9 days)
NZD5,995 - Spaces Available
Tour Leader: Erik Forsyth
Tour price (Per person): NZD5,995 * USD3,573 * GBP2,857 * EUR3,330 * AUD5,461
Single Supplement: NZD750 * USD447 * GBP357 * EUR417 * AUD683
Flight costs: NZD120 * USD72 * GBP57 * EUR67 * AUD109
02 Feb 2025 - 10 Feb 2025 (9 days)
NZD5,995 - Spaces Available
Tour Leader: Rockjumper Tour Leader TBC
Tour price (Per person): NZD5,995 * USD3,573 * GBP2,857 * EUR3,330 * AUD5,461
Single Supplement: NZD750 * USD447 * GBP357 * EUR417 * AUD683
Flight costs (Linked Tour): NZD190 * USD113 * GBP91 * EUR106 * AUD173
New Zealand - Comprehensive I 2024 - January 2024
New Zealand - South Island Endemics 2023 - December 2023
New Zealand - Comprehensive III 2023 - November 2023
New Zealand - Chatham Islands Extension II 2023 - November 2023
New Zealand - Comprehensive II 2023 - October 2023
Australia & New Zealand - Zhong 2023 - October 2023
Grand Pacific Odyssey - New Zealand to Japan 2023 - March 2023
New Zealand - Chatham Islands Extension I 2023 - January 2023
New Zealand - Comprehensive I 2023 - January 2023
New Zealand - Comprehensive III 2022 - November 2022
New Zealand - Comprehensive II 2022 - October 2022
New Zealand - Comprehensive I 2020 - January 2020
New Zealand - Comprehensive II 2019 - October 2019
New Zealand - Comprehensive III 2018 - November 2018
New Zealand - Comprehensive II 2018 - October 2018
New Zealand - Comprehensive I 2018 - January 2018
New Zealand - Comprehensive III 2017 - November 2017
New Zealand - Comprehensive II 2017 - October 2017
New Zealand - Comprehensive I 2017 - February 2017
ABA New Zealand - Subantarctic Island Cruise 2017 - January 2017
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