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New Zealand - North Island Endemics

© New Zealand Storm Petrel by Adam Riley

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!

Top Birds

North Island Brown Kiwi, Little Spotted Kiwi, North Island Kokako, North Island Saddleback, Whitehead, Rifleman, Stitchbird, South Island Takahe, 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, wifi 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

Tongariro National Park

Photographic Opportunities

good to excellent

What our clients say about us

Erik Forsyth
LP, New Zealand 2017

Erik Forsyth's depth of knowledge of the birds of New Zealand was astounding. He delivered on all the species possible, and some even became good friends with multiple good sightings before the trip was through. He was good-natured and managed our group well throughout the long hours of driving on several days. The accommodations were good, as were the night walks for kiwis, the pelagic tours, and the visits to islands and refuges to see rare, endemic and endangered species. I loved the trip from the beginning to the end. We had good weather, too! Thanks, from the bottom of my heart, for the wonderful experience exploring New Zealand. I fell in love with the birds and the country. Thanks, Erik, for making it happen. Four stars, two thumbs up, all possible positive accolades.

Erik Forsyth
AW & DW, New Zealand 2018

We thoroughly enjoyed the tour, which covered a wonderfully varied range of environments, scenery, birds, etc., and was a great introduction to New Zealand. Erik Forsyth did a good job of rearranging times and/or dates for two of the pelagics, which were ultimately successful--even given substantial rain and wind.

Erik Forsyth
MP & JP, New Zealand 2020

ERIK IS A WONDERFUL GUIDE AND COMPANION WITH A GREAT SENSE OF HUMOR BUT ALSO WITH ATTENTION TO DETAIL. WE FOUND ALMOST ALL OF THE BIRDS ON OUR CHECKLIST AND ARE VERY HAPPY WITH THE RESULTS.

Erik Forsyth
SS, New Zealand 2018

Erik Forsyth is a brilliant  tour leader and birder;  I would definitely like to travel with him again in the future!

Erik Forsyth
PP, New Zealand 2018

Erik Forsyth is not just totally knowledgeable about the birds, he makes the whole journey effortless and fun.

New Zealand - North Island Endemics 2024

09 Dec 2024 - 17 Dec 2024 (9 days)

NZD5,995 - Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: Erik Forsyth

Tour price (Per person): NZD5,995 * USD3,539 * GBP2,846 * EUR3,325 * AUD5,513

Single Supplement: NZD750 * USD443 * GBP356 * EUR416 * AUD690

Flight costs: NZD120 * USD71 * GBP57 * EUR67 * AUD110

New Zealand - North Island Endemics 2025

02 Feb 2025 - 10 Feb 2025 (9 days)

NZD5,995 - Spaces Available

Book Now
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Tour Leader: Rockjumper Tour Leader TBC

Tour price (Per person): NZD5,995 * USD3,539 * GBP2,846 * EUR3,325 * AUD5,513

Single Supplement: NZD750 * USD443 * GBP356 * EUR416 * AUD690

Flight costs: NZD190 * USD112 * GBP90 * EUR105 * AUD175

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