the kaka - unique to New Zealand wildlife

Ecotours New Zealand nature and wildlife tours with expert guides

Brian Parkinson's Guide to Unique Wildlife of New Zealand

When to visit wildlife in New Zealand

Best Times to Visit New Zealand's Wildlife
Birding	Botany	Marine mammals	Tramping/ Hiking

Jan

Feb

Mar

April

May

June

July

Aug

Sept

Oct

Nov

Dec

Alpine flowers at their best

kakabeak, Whau & kohekohe flower

Alpine flowers at their best

Autumn colours at their best

Pohutu- kawa
flowers

Rata flowers

Kowhai, kotukutuku & rewarewa flower

Migrating whales and dolphins move north

Migrating whales and dolphins move south - strandings occur

Sea elephants and sea lions haul out along southern coasts

Westland petrels nest

Gannets at nesting colonies

Albatrosses at Taiaroa

Cattle Egret overwinter

Kotuku & Royal Spoonbills nest

Petrels and shearwaters at breeding colonies

Ducks move to sanctuaries for shooting season

Petrels and shearwaters at breeding colonies

Little Blue, Yellow-Eyed & Fiordland Crested Penguins nest

Birdsong at best

Kiwi nesting

Small passerines move to lowlands

South Island waders move north

Waders depart

Waders arrive. Juveniles overwinter

Best times for walking tracks

Avalanche danger in alpine areas