Spring Wildlife & Birdwatching Roadtrip in the South Island

Kaikōura: Marine Marvels

Drive north to Kaikōura for a classic Kiwi wildlife encounter. This coastal town is legendary for whale-watching tours and dolphin spotting, especially in the spring months. Take a pelagic birding trip to see stunning seabirds, including the Buller’s and Wandering Albatross. Along the shore, kekeno (NZ fur seals) bask and play.

View our article about the reasons why Kaikoura is a must-include destination

Christchurch’s Wildlife Encounters

In Christchurch, wildlife lovers can start their adventure with a visit to the International Antarctic Centre, where rescued Little Blue Penguins and Antarctic experiences await close to the airport.

Just a short drive away, Orana Wildlife Park presents New Zealand’s only open-range zoo with giraffes, lions, and native species like kiwi, offering interactive encounters for all ages.

Nearby, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve specialises in native wildlife conservation, showcasing kiwis in a unique glass-free nocturnal house alongside tuatara and kea, plus authentic Māori cultural experiences. These highlights provide a fantastic taste of Aotearoa’s wildlife before heading further into Te Waipounamu’s spring wonders.

View our article about the Top 5 things to explore in Christchurch

Penguin Encounters: Oamaru

On the North Otago coast, Oamaru has built a reputation as one of Aotearoa’s prime penguin-viewing towns. The Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony offers evening viewing stands where you can watch these tiny seabirds come ashore under soft lighting designed to protect their natural behaviour. Beyond the penguins, Oamaru’s Victorian harbour area is also a drawcard, with wildlife often mingling against a backdrop of historic stone architecture, making it a uniquely charming spot for nature experiences.

Learn more about Oamaru Penguins

Coastal Encounters: Otago Peninsula & Dunedin

Start your journey on the Otago Peninsula, a hotspot for birdlife and marine wildlife. At dusk, you’ll spot the world’s rarest penguin, the yellow-eyed hoiho, returning to its nest at secluded sites like Sandfly Bay and Bushy Beach. Pilots Beach also gets lively with little blue penguins, while fur seals sun themselves on rocky outcrops.

Don’t miss the Royal Albatross Centre, where you can watch enormous albatrosses gliding effortlessly above the coastline. Local guides offer insightful tours with conservation tips and stories, ensuring visitors respect the fragile environment.

Learn more about Royal Albatross Centre

Wild Stewart Island

Birders keen for adventure should add Stewart Island and Ulva Island to their itinerary. In spring, visit forests at night for your best chance at seeing the Southern Brown Kiwi foraging in the wild. By day, watch for tui, kaka (parrot), red-crowned parakeets, and waders on secluded beaches. Ulva Island is a predator-free sanctuary, teeming with rare species.

Learn more about Stewart Island

Birdwatching Best Practices

• Use established viewing hides and join local tours to minimise disturbance.
• Bring binoculars and a camera to capture wildlife from a respectful distance.
• Always stay on marked tracks and heed the guide’s advice. Aotearoa’s protected areas are precious taonga (treasures) for locals and manuhiri (visitors) alike.

Start your South Island journey by travelling north to Kaikōura, world-renowned for whale watching, dolphin encounters, and seabird tours. After soaking up the marine life, return to Christchurch before continuing south to Oamaru, where the evening penguin parades showcase the world’s smallest penguins coming ashore. The town’s Victorian harbour precinct adds to its charm, offering a unique blend of history and coastal wildlife encounters.

From Oamaru, follow the coast to Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula, home to rare yellow-eyed penguins, little blue penguins, and the majestic Royal Albatross.

Next, head further south to Invercargill and catch the ferry from Bluff to Stewart Island, celebrated for its native birdlife, including kiwi, kākā, tūī, and red-crowned parakeets thriving in predator-free forest sanctuaries.

Complete your loop by returning to Christchurch through charming towns and spectacular landscapes, with the option of detouring through Central Otago to enjoy vibrant spring blossoms.

This circuit offers an unforgettable opportunity to experience the South Island’s iconic spring wildlife in a Christchurch-based itinerary, perfect for nature lovers and birdwatchers eager to discover Aotearoa’s unique fauna and stunning scenery.

Learn more about the native animals of New Zealand