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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
KS, New Zealand 2020

We thoroughly enjoyed this trip. Erik Forsyth is an excellent guide. He managed a one-man show as bird guide, van driver and ground agent all the while maintaining a wonderful sense of humor.

Erik Forsyth
PP, New Zealand 2018

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

Erik Forsyth
DM & SM, New Zealand

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
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
JM, New Zealand 2018

Overall, a very good tour. Erik Forsyth got us onto all the most wanted birds and was attentive to everyone's needs. He was professional and kept the atmosphere fun and light.

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 * USD4,000 * GBP3,189 * EUR3,728 * AUD6,082

Single Supplement: NZD850 * USD508 * GBP405 * EUR473 * AUD772

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 * USD4,059 * GBP3,236 * EUR3,783 * AUD6,173

Single Supplement: NZD920 * USD550 * GBP438 * EUR512 * AUD836

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

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