New Zealand · SAFARI
Good off-road safaris fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 8 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Join Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari at Viaduct Harbour for a 4.5-hour cruise on a 65-foot catamaran. Marine research scientists explain the gulf’s wildlife and conservation work as you search for dolphins, Bryde’s whales, seals, blue penguins, and seabirds.
“Enjoyed dolphins , glimpses of penguins but no whales despite valiant attempt by crew. Great education!”
Travel by Mercedes 4WD from Wellington through Otari-Wilton’s Bush and private Terawhiti Station to a wild fur seal colony near Karori Rock. Guides such as Sara, Grant, Hamish, and Chewy add local knowledge, while tea, coffee, snacks, hotel pickup, and small groups make this a comfortable half-day outing.
“Smashing outing to an eco forest and out to the coast up, over and around the farming countryside down to the coast to view seals. A small group with enthusiastic guide and comfy vehicle. We opted to be dropped off in Wellington for the mono rail up to the botanical gardens and walked back down which was a perfect ending - stopping at the cafe on the way”
Ride a small 4WD Mercedes van from central Wellington to Otari-Wilton’s Bush, Terawhiti Station, and Tongue Point. You’ll see native plants, farm country, wind turbines, Cook Strait views, and New Zealand fur seals, with guides such as Sarah, Grant, Marc, and Chewy sharing local stories.
“Verry good choise , to spend an afternoon in a pleasant zeealandese way”
Travel from Akaroa over the volcanic crater rim to Flea Bay with guides such as Ben, Kevin or Vila. Paddle a double kayak along Pohatu Marine Reserve for 1 to 1.5 hours, entering sea caves when conditions allow and watching for penguins, seals, seabirds and dolphins.
“Awesome! A great and passionate guide! I advise everyone who wants to discover the flora and fauna of the binks peninsula”
Take control of a 4WD quad bike on Hanmer Springs back roads, dirt trails, river crossings, farms, sheep tracks, and bush. An English-speaking guide leads this small-group ride of up to 10 people. Drivers must be at least 16, and no hotel transfer is included.
“Memorable! It was raining and it made the track challenging.”
Fly 45 minutes above Kaikōura Canyon and the Pacific with South Pacific Helicopters. Pilot Dan or Daniel provides commentary while you search for sperm whales, dolphins, seals, and seasonal visitors. A remote hilltop landing adds mountain and ocean views to this small-group flight for up to six people.
“Perfect pilot. Nice weather. Good photo's from South Pacific Helicopters. Blue whale below the heli as a huge beest into the water”
Meet your guide at 64 Oban Street in Glenorchy for a private kayaking trip to Pigeon Island. After safety training, paddle across Lake Wakatipu, enjoy tea and fruit cake, look for weka, and return along the wild shoreline. Amanda, Grace, Marcus, Andy, or another guide may lead your group.
“The whole experience was relaxed and very enjoyable, Marcus and Andy are very personable and great guides. I would highly recommend booking this regardless of your kayaking experience. We were very lucky in that when we arrived at thRead more”
Ride from Queenstown toward Glenorchy, receive a full safety briefing, then kayak across Lake Wakatipu to Pigeon Island with guide Marcus. Expect a short island walk, tea on the beach, close views of wekas, and a quiet return along the wild shoreline.
“Amazing views and the host was great, the car ride to glenorchy was a good opportunity to see more of Queenstowns scenery and the kayaking was easy to pick up!”
Pick a coastline, a crater rim or a cellar door.
