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New Zealand Wildlife Viewing Trips & Safaris

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Lupines on the shore of Lake Tekapo
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Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife journey to New Zealand with Adventure Life. With 25 Wildlife Viewing Tours offered for 2025 and 2026, you can experience the awe-inspiring biodiversity of the country up close. From majestic whales, dolphins, penguins, seals, and albatrosses to unique species like the kiwi bird and tuatara lizard, New Zealand's diverse wildlife will captivate your senses. Explore spectacular landscapes ranging from lush rainforests, rugged mountains, and tranquil beaches. Our tours start at $2,493 for trips lasting 5 to 24 days, so contact one of Adventure Life's tour specialists today to plan your seamless trip!
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Te Puia Geothermal
from $2,493
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New Zealand North Island Highlights

New Zealand Self-drive Tour - 7 Day Itinerary
Starts / Ends
Auckland / Wellington
Activities
Urban Exploration
Activity Level
Moderate
Join this 7-day self-drive tour of New Zealand’s North Island. Discover iconic trails, cultural landmarks, and geothermal wonders in Auckland, Waitomo, Rotorua, Tongariro National Park, and Wellington. Ideal for nature and adventure lovers seeking an unforgettable journey
  • Enjoy the glowworm cave at Waitomo
  • Visit Te Puia Geothermal
  • See skillful Māori crafts
  • Learn Māori customs and traditions
  • See native birds in wildlife
Tour Details
0
Mt. Cook
from $8,483
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New Zealand Grand Hikes: North & South Islands

New Zealand Small Group Tour - 15 Day Itinerary
Starts / Ends
Auckland / Queenstown
Activities
Hiking, Rainforest Exploration
Activity Level
Moderate
Experience exploring the diverse landscapes of both islands, from Rotorua to Queenstown, on this 15-day hiking adventure in New Zealand. From the Waitomo glow worm caves, Rotorua geothermal area, and volcanoes of Tongariro National Park in the north, spend even more time hiking in the south, along the Abel Tasman coast, and the majestic peaks of Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mt Aspiring National Parks.
  • See the Waitomo glow worm caves
  • Learn about Māori culture
  • Hike Tongariro National Park
  • Experience the Abel Tasman Coast
  • See coastal limestone canyons
  • Hike Aoraki /Mt. Cook
  • See stunning view of Fiordland NP
Tour Details
0
Mount Aspiring - Lake Wanaka
from $5,362
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Complete South Island Explorer

New Zealand Self-drive Tour - 14 Day Itinerary
Starts / Ends
Christchurch / Christchurch
Activities
Whale Watching, Whitewater Rafting, Helicopter Tours
Activity Level
Easy Active
Explore the South Island of New Zealand on an unforgettable 14-day adventure. Discover stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and unique wildlife. From glaciers to beaches, this journey offers thrilling outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and breathtaking natural beauty at every turn
  • Discover Christchurch's history
  • Enjoy Hanmer Springs hot pools
  • See marine mammals in Kaikoura
  • Visit Abel Tasman National Park
  • Hike the Franz Josef Glacier
  • Enjoy Dart River jet boat tour
  • Explore Queenstown and Milford Soun
  • See glacier in Mt Cook National Par
Tour Details
0
Queenstown South Island New Zealand
from $12,303
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Active New Zealand Adventure

New Zealand Self-drive Tour - 18 Day Itinerary
Starts / Ends
Auckland / Queenstown
Activities
Kayaking, Fishing
Activity Level
Moderate
Set out on an 18-day active New Zealand adventure from Auckland to Queenstown. This tour takes you through Lake Tekapo, Taupo, Tongariro National Park, the wild West Coast, and Christchurch. Experience the Dart River, sail Doubtful Sound overnight, and power through a Wanaka AWD safari. Hike the Routeburn Track and elevate your journey with a Kepler Track heli-hike to end your trip.
  • Hike through Auckland's west coast
  • Take a cruise on Lake Taupo.
  • Hike in Tongariro National Park
  • Cross the stunning Banks Peninsula
  • Take part in a stargazing tour
  • Enjoy outdoor activities in Wanaka
  • Enjoy Dart River jet boat tour
  • Sail overnight in Doubtful Sound
Tour Details
0
Mt. Tongariro, Mt. Ngauruhoe, and Mt. Ruapehu
from $2,728
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New Zealand North Island Grand Hikes

New Zealand Small Group Tour - 5 Day Itinerary
Starts / Ends
Auckland / Wellington
Activity Level
Moderate
On this five-day hiking adventure, discover the varied landscapes of New Zealand's Northern Island, spanning from Rotorua to Wellington. From the Waitomo glow worm caves, the Rotorua geothermal area, and the volcanoes of Tongariro National Park. Admire the views of the Red Crater, Emerald Lakes, Taranaki Falls, and steaming vents that make this hike outstanding.
  • See the Waitomo glow worm caves
  • Learn about Māori culture
  • Hike the Tongariro National Park
  • Learn about New Zealand history
Tour Details
0
Wellington Cable Car
from $6,879
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Best of New Zealand: North to South

New Zealand Self-drive Tour - 18 Day Itinerary
Starts / Ends
Auckland / Queenstown
Activities
Archaeological Site Visits, Village Visits
Activity Level
Easy Active
Experience the best of New Zealand on this 18-day epic self-drive tour. Explore geothermal wonders, cultural heritage, and adventure across both islands, from Auckland to the South. Enjoy Māori cultural performances, visit Waitomo Caves, and Discover Tongariro National Park. Then head to the South to experience the stunning vistas and rugged landscapes.
  • Hike through Auckland's west coast
  • Enjoy the glowworm cave at Waitomo
  • Visit Te Puia Geothermal
  • See skillful Māori crafts
  • Learn Māori customs and traditions
  • Tour Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Take part in a stargazing tour
  • Enjoy a Dart River jet boat tour
Tour Details
0
Queenstown, New Zealand
from $5,985
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New Zealand Coastal Odyssey: The Ultimate Expedition Cruise of the New Zealand Coast

Queenstown to Auckland - 12 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
Starts / Ends
Queenstown / Auckland
Activity Level
Variable
Experience a 12-day cruise through New Zealand's stunning scenery and heritage, starting in Queenstown and sailing on the Heritage Adventurer. Explore Fiordland's fjords, discover unique wildlife, and enjoy cultural highlights before ending in Auckland.
  • Explore Queenstown’s beauty
  • Discover Fiordland’s wildlife
  • Stroll Akaroa’s coastline
  • Enjoy Wellington’s culture
Cruise Details
0
from $3,750
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Unseen Fiordland and Stewart Island: Exploring New Zealand's Remote Backyard

6 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
Starts / Ends
Queenstown / Invercargill
Activity Level
Variable
Explore New Zealand's southernmost regions on a six-day journey aboard the Heritage Adventurer. Indulge in a rare opportunity to visit both the wildlife-rich Stewart and Ulva Islands and the glacier-cut summits only accessible by expedition ship on one voyage. This is an experience you won't want to miss out on.
  • Explore Stewart Island
  • See different bird species
  • Discover Ulva Island.
  • Tour the stunning fiords
Cruise Details
0
Explore the stunning Milford Sound
from $28,790
2for1
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New Zealand Delights

Dunedin - Auckland - 12 Day Itinerary aboard Scenic Eclipse II
Starts / Ends
Dunedin / Auckland
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 12-day cruise aboard the Scenic Eclipse II. Immerse yourself in New Zealand's stunning scenery and explore its captivating cities. Enjoy exceptional local cuisine and connect with the welcoming locals, making these experiences the highlights of your voyage.
  • Explore Kaikoura
  • Experience Akaroa
  • Discover Dusky Sound
  • Explore Milford Sound
Cruise Details
0
Amazing aerial view of Fiordland National Park on scenic flight from Milford Sound to Queenstown, NZ
from $81,390
2for1
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Pure New Zealand: North & South Islands

Auckland - Queenstown - 13 Day Itinerary aboard Scenic Eclipse II
Starts / Ends
Auckland / Queenstown
Activities
Wine Tasting
Activity Level
Variable
Experience the best of New Zealand on this 13-day cruise aboard the Scenic Eclipse II, visiting 13 iconic destinations. From Auckland's vibrant cityscape to the serene beauty of Milford Sound, this journey promises unforgettable moments.
  • Explore Tauranga’s coastal beauty
  • Discover Gisborne’s sunrise charm
  • Admire Napier’s Art Deco
  • Spot Kaikoura’s marine life
Cruise Details
0
Amazing aerial view of Fiordland National Park on scenic flight from Milford Sound to Queenstown, NZ
from $24,990
2for1
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Pure New Zealand: North & South Islands

Auckland - Queenstown - 13 Day Itinerary aboard Scenic Eclipse II
Starts / Ends
Auckland / Queenstown
Activity Level
Variable
Experience the best of New Zealand on this 13-day cruise aboard the Scenic Eclipse II, visiting 13 iconic destinations. From Auckland's vibrant cityscape to the serene beauty of Milford Sound, this journey promises unforgettable moments.
  • Explore Wellington
  • Experience Gisborne
  • Discover Tauranga
  • Explore Auckland
Cruise Details
0
New Zealand's remotest island.
from $9,500
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Beyond Fiordland - New Zealand's Wildest Islands

12 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
Starts / Ends
Invercargill / Invercargill
Activity Level
Variable
On this 12-day cruise aboard Heritage Adventurer starting and ending in the beautiful city of Invercargill, admire some of New Zealand's best pelagic birding including Wandering Albatross, Royal Albatross, Light-mantled Sooty Albatross, Campbell Island Albatross and Little Shearwater.
  • Explore Campbell Island
  • Visit Carnley Harbor
  • Zodiac cruise along Adams Island
  • Admire Stewart Island's beauty
Cruise Details
0
from $15,250
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Birding Down Under: Subantarctic and Chatham Islands

17 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
Starts / Ends
Queenstown / Queenstown
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on the Heritage Adventurer for a 17-day New Zealand birding cruise. Visit remote islands that are home to some of the world's most diverse and distinctive bird species. To get a closer look at these islands and their fauna, take Zodiac excursions and hike the islands in search of exotic wildlife. 
  • Visit the best islands for birding
  • See the Albatross Latitudes
  • Marvel at diverse seabird colonies
  • Learn about nature and history
Cruise Details
0
Snares Penguin on The Snares Island
from $15,295
Air Credit
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Subantarctic Discovery

Roundtrip Dunedin - 15 Day Itinerary aboard Douglas Mawson
Starts / Ends
Dunedin / Dunedin
Activities
Wildlife Viewing, Photography Seminars
Activity Level
Variable
Join a 15-day Subantarctic Discovery Expedition Cruise roundtrip from Dunedin, New Zealand aboard the Douglas Mawson. Explore UNESCO World Heritage-listed Subantarctic Islands, Stewart and Ulva Islands, Fiordland, Campbell Island and Auckland Islands. Discover rugged beauty and wildlife, including brown kiwi and flightless weka.
  • Explore Dunedin’s lively harbor
  • Discover Stewart Island’s forests
  • Encounter Fiordland’s cliffs
  • Experience Macquarie’s landscapes
Cruise Details
0
Explore the stunning Milford Sound
from $5,295
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All of the Fiords: The Ultimate Fiordland Experience

10 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Explorer
Starts / Ends
Te Anau / Te Anau
Activity Level
Variable
Join this ultimate 10-day exploration of New Zealand's remote ice-carved mountains, verdant forests, and winding fiords of Fiordland. This treasured natural wonderland, its wildlife, conservation, and history inspired expedition. Visit Preservation Inlet and Chalky inlet, Doubtful and Dusky Sound, and more!
  • Discover New Zealand
  • Sail through Fiordland's waters
  • Explore North and South Port harbor
  • Visit the majestic fiord
Cruise Details
0
Marlborough Sounds
from $3,650
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Discover Marlborough Sounds: An In-Depth Exploration of the Marlborough Sounds

7 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Explorer
Starts / Ends
Blenheim / Blenheim
Activity Level
Variable
Discover the calm waterways, abundant wildlife, and fascinating history of New Zealand's Marlborough Sounds on a memorable seven-day Kiwi tour that includes visits to Queen Charlotte and Pelorus Sounds, French Pass, and d'Urville Island.
  • Explore Queen Charlotte Sound
  • Visit Tory Channel
  • Sail through d’Urville
  • Discover Pelorus Sound
Cruise Details
0
Stewart Island
from $4,475
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Unseen Stewart Island: Pristine Wilderness and Wildlife Adventure

8 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Explorer
Starts / Ends
Invercargill / Invercargill
Activity Level
Variable
Board the luxurious 18-guest Heritage Explorer on an 8-day expedition cruise. Discover the unseen rawness of New Zealand's wildlife-rich Stewart Island/Rakiura and Ulva Island/Te Wharawhara. The magnificent Aurora Australis is awe-inspiring as it spectacularly adorns the southern skies.
  • Discover Halfmoon Bay
  • Enjoy the historic views
  • Visit Norwegian whaling station
  • Explore Port Pegasus
Cruise Details
0
from $3,150
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Undiscovered Dusky Sound: Cruising Remote Fiordland

Supper Cove Roundtrip - 5 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Explorer
Starts / Ends
Te Anau / Te Anau
Activity Level
Variable
Join this 5-day exploration cruise of the Undiscovered Dusky Sound from Supper Cove and back aboard Heritage Explorer. Start and conclude your trip with a scenic helicopter flight between Te Anau and Supper Cove. Discover the primordial majesty of Fiordland on an unforgettable voyage cruising Acheron Passage, Breaksea, and Dusky Sounds.
  • View scenic helicopter transfers
  • See Cooper, Long, & Indian Islands
  • Explore Fiordland's Dusky Sound
  • Spot wildlife and more
Cruise Details
0
1-18 of 25 Results
TrustScore 4.8 | 541 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
total score
Based on 541 reviews on
review score
3 weeks ago
I enjoyed working with Jess to put together a private N.Z. trip. Jess has been my go-to person at Adventure Life over the past several years. She listens to what my husband and I want in a trip, and is always responsive to questions. Nothing seems to be too much of a bother for Jess.
DIANNE GRAY

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