North Island Birding: Kiwi to Kōkako

Day 1 marks your arrival in Auckland. After checking into the hotel, you may attend a welcome meet-and-greet with your guide at 6:30 pm. Dinner is at your own expense. Overnight: Auckland.

Your guide will meet you in your hotel foyer at 6:30am, then join you for breakfast. From here, you will spend the day exploring Auckland’s surroundings, focusing on mudflats in search of the ngutu pare (wrybill), pūtangitangi (paradise shelduck), and various waders. Travelling north, the day concludes near Snells Beach, looking for tūturiwhatu (New Zealand plover), tōrea pangovariable (oystercatcher), and kuaka (bar-tailed godwit). After dinner, enjoy an evening excursion north to search for Kiwi-nui (North Island brown kiwi). Driving time: 150km/2.5 hours. Overnight: Snells Beach.

This morning, we explore the Warkworth area, searching for pāteke (brown teal), kākā, and tūī. This marks the northernmost point of the tour, so extra time will be spent in the forests for kererū (New Zealand pigeon), riroriro (grey warbler), and pīwakawaka (New Zealand fantail). We stay near the harbour, preparing for tomorrow’s trip to Tiritiri Matangi. Driving time: 50km/45 minutes. Overnight: Orewa.

Today is a highlight, with a short ferry ride to the conservation island of Tiritiri Matangi. During the ferry, watch for kororā (little penguin), pakahā (fluttering shearwater), and tākapu (Australasian gannet), as well as possible rarer species like rako (Buller’s shearwater). The rest of the day is dedicated to exploring the island's tracks and paths. Tiritiri Matangi has been an icon of New Zealand conservation since the 1980s and has helped conservation efforts for many species, including some that are very difficult to see on the mainland. During our time today, we will be looking for the kākāriki (red-crowned parakeet), kōkako, korimako (New Zealand bellbird), and tīeke (North Island saddleback). Another fascinating creature often found here is the giant wētā, a large insect that can weigh more than a house sparrow. Arriving back on the mainland in the afternoon, we’ll return to our hotel. Driving time: 20km/30 minutes. Overnight: Orewa.

Today we drive for four hours, making several stops at excellent birding sites. At the Pūkorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre, we expect to see pohowera (banded dotterel), kuriri (Pacific golden plover), kelp gull, kōtuku ngutupapa (royal spoonbill), and kāhu (swamp harrier). Closer to Rotorua, we encounter introduced species such as dunnock, redpoll, rakiraki (mallard), and European greenfinch, as well as the endemic pāpango (New Zealand scaup). Rotorua’s geothermal features await at day’s end, providing the option for a visit to thermal pools. Driving time: 300km/4 hours. Overnight: Rotorua.

Rotorua itself is situated on the shoreline of Lake Rotorua, and we will spend a bit of time this morning exploring the lake with its kuihi (Canada geese), māpunga (black shag), kawaupaka (little shag), kawau tūī (little black shag) and the endemic weweia (New Zealand dabchick). Heading south towards Tūrangi, we’ll pass through the typical greenery of New Zealand farmland. Tūrangi is a small town with a population of under 4,000. It’s also home to the endangered whio (blue duck), and we will spend the afternoon searching along the beautiful Tongariro River for this, as well as pīpīwharauroa (shining cuckoo), tauhou (silvereye), manu-kai-hua-rakau (song thrush), tikaokao (California quail), and, if we’re lucky, one of New Zealand’s four species of raptors, the kārearea (New Zealand falcon). Driving time: 150km/2 hours Overnight: Tūrangi.

Spend the day exploring Tūrangi and its natural surroundings. The morning includes Pureora Forest Park, 150km away, seeking kākā, kākāriki (yellow-fronted parakeet), toutouwai (North Island robin), and miromiro (tomtit). The afternoon continues with the Lake Taupō shoreline for tarāpuka (black-billed gull), Australian coot, kōtare (sacred kingfisher), matuku moana (white-faced heron), and mātātā (New Zealand fernbird). Driving time: 250km/4 hours. Overnight: Tūrangi.

Heading south towards Waikanae for tomorrow’s Kapiti Island trip, passing the Desert Road and skirting Tongariro National Park. This region, with few trees and wide alpine tussock, offers views of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe, and Tongariro volcanoes. The habitat attracts pīhoihoi (New Zealand pipit) and kāhu (swamp harrier). Near Waikanae, explore the coastline and regional walks. Anticipated sightings include tara (white-fronted tern), taranui (Caspian tern), huahou (red knot), kakīānau (black swan), hurukōwhai (yellowhammer), pahirini (Eurasian chaffinch), tōrea (South Island oystercatcher), and tara teo (little tern). Driving time: 275km/3.5 hours. Overnight: Waikanae.

A full day on Kapiti Island begins with a 20-minute ferry ride from Waikanae. Similar bird species to those at Tiritiri Matangi can be observed, offering additional opportunities for observation and photography. The Rauoterangi Channel crossing may yield pelagic species such as Arctic skua, pakahā (fluttering shearwater), and rako (Buller’s shearwater). On the island, expect to find weka, hihi (stitchbird), and pōpokotea (whitehead). Driving time: 5km/10 minutes. Overnight: Waikanae.

On our final day of the North Island tour, we head south to Wellington, about an hour’s drive away. In Wellington, we’ll search for any shoreline species we have yet to see, including the matuku moana (reef heron). We will visit Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne, known for its stunning walks, suspension bridge, and wetland areas. Many of New Zealand’s famous birds are protected from predators within the fenced zone; those able to fly can come and go freely, while the fence keeps mammalian predators out. This conservation area lets us experience New Zealand as it was before predators arrived. It’s a fitting way to end our North Island tour. Driving time: 75km/1 hour. If you have also booked the South Island Birding Trip, your accommodation in Wellington is included. Otherwise, you can book an additional night at the Rydges Wellington with us, if needed.