NEW ZEALAND MULTI DAY BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS

Morning: November 3rd - Pauanui Pines

Depart from Te Awamutu early at 8:30 am for an unforgettable journey to the stunning Coromandel Peninsula(Pick ups from Auckland/Hamilton airports can be arranged the day before the trip departs). Famous for its rugged coastlines, pristine beaches, and vibrant birdlife, this is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts. Along the way, we’ll stop at a secret spot for an exciting photoshoot opportunity with the elusive Morepork (Ruru), New Zealand's native owl. Capture this mysterious bird in its natural habitat, with towering trees and dense undergrowth providing the perfect backdrop. Keep your eyes peeled for other local birds such as Tui, Fantail (piwakawaka), Kereru, and Grey Warblers (riroriro) that also call this area home.

Afternoon
Continue on the road to Pauanui Beach, one of the Coromandel’s most picturesque and peaceful beaches. After checking in at our accommodation, we’ll head out for a photoshoot along the beach and nearby wetlands. Here you’ll have the chance to photograph the endemic New Zealand Dotterels (Tūturiwhatu), Godwits (Kuaka), Oystercatchers (Torea), White-faced Herons (Matuku), Fantails (Piwakawaka), Kingfishers (Kotare), and the elusive Fernbird (Matata). Pauanui’s open beach and estuarine mudflats provide stunning opportunities to practice shooting in the soft, warm light of the setting sun. Wrap up your day by reviewing your best shots and enjoying a well-earned rest.

Early Morning: November 4th
We’ll start the day early, heading back to the beach just as the first light of dawn touches the horizon. The soft, golden glow of the early morning sun creates the perfect conditions for photographing the shorebirds in their natural habitat. As the gentle light reflects off the water, you'll have the opportunity to capture the delicate silhouettes of birds like Dotterels, Godwits, and Oystercatchers, feeding along the shoreline or in flight. The serene atmosphere and tranquil surroundings will offer a peaceful yet dynamic setting, allowing you to hone your skills in low-light photography and capture stunning, intimate shots of these beautiful shorebirds.

Afternoon:
After the morning shoot, embark on a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Maungatautari, a fully fenced ecological reserve nestled in the heart of the Mighty Waikato. Here, you’ll photograph native forest birds in their pristine environment. A bushwalk through the lush forest will allow you to capture photos of rare species like the Kākā (a large forest parrot), Saddleback (Tieke), Whiteheads (Popotea), Tomtit (Miromiro), and North Island Robin (Toutouwai). This is the perfect opportunity to explore the forest’s vibrant wildlife and diverse plant life in a breathtaking setting.

Evening
After our Maungatautari adventure, we’ll head to Otorohanga for a relaxing evening. You’ll have some free time to explore the town, grab dinner, and unwind. In the evening, we’ll visit the Otorohanga Kiwi House to photograph the nocturnal Kiwi in a low-light setting behind glass. This is a rare chance to capture New Zealand’s iconic flightless bird in its natural habitat—remember, no flashes allowed, so we’ll be testing our skills with low-light techniques.

Morning: November 5th
After a late night, we’ll start a bit slower, heading to Rotorua's Wingspan Birds of Prey Centre for a fascinating falconry display. Watch as skilled falconers demonstrate their craft with birds like the Falcon (Kārearea), Harrier Hawk (Kahu), and the elegant Barn Owl. We’ll also get the chance to photograph the Barn Owl in controlled conditions for some intimate, close-up shots of this stunning bird.

Afternoon
After the birds of prey experience, we’ll visit Lake Rotorua, a geothermal wonderland featuring bubbling mud pools and steaming vents. Here, you’ll be able to capture the unique combination of geothermal activity and native birds in the area. You may even wish to relax with a swim at the nearby Polynesian Spa (note: entry not included in the tour price). Afterward, we will check into our accommodation.

Evening
As the day winds down, we’ll photograph birds against the dramatic geothermal landscape of Sulphur Point. The rising steam and the tranquil lake will provide a surreal and unique backdrop for your bird photography. Afterward, we’ll return to our accommodation for some downtime, allowing you to review your images and prepare for tomorrow’s adventures.

Morning: November 6th
We’ll start the day with a sunrise shoot at Sulphur Point, where the calm waters reflect the surrounding birds in flight or feeding. The soft morning light will offer you plenty of opportunities for stunning shots. Afterward, we’ll continue our journey to Napier, stopping at Taupo to visit the famous Huka Falls for more photography inspiration. Here, the waterfalls provide a dynamic backdrop for your shots. We’ll also enjoy lunch by Lake Taupo, where you can spot some of the local, ducks, Scaups (Paponga), and Gulls.

Afternoon
Continue our drive to Napier, where we’ll check into our accommodation before heading out for an evening shoot at a nearby wetland. As the sun sets, you’ll have the chance to capture birds like the Royal Spoonbill (Kōtuku ngutupapa), Dabchicks (weweia), Swans (Kakīanua), Pukeko, and Cormorants (kāruhiruhi), all in the calm evening light, perfect for reflection shots and dramatic bird behaviour.

Early Morning: November 7th
We’ll wake up early for a private tour of the iconic Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony. This 3-hour sunrise tour offers incredible opportunities to photograph thousands of Gannets (Tākapu) in flight against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. The dramatic cliffs and seabirds in motion create an ideal setting for action photography with exceptional lighting. After the tour, you’ll enjoy a complimentary breakfast before exploring Napier’s famous Art Deco architecture, offering fantastic photo ops with its vibrant colours and unique design.

Evening:
We’ll head out to the braided rivers or Waitangi Wetlands, looking for Black Fronted Dotterels, Banded Dotterels (Pohowera), and Pied Stilts (Pōaka). The riverbanks are a perfect habitat for wading birds, and the clear water offers ideal reflections for your photographs. Afterward, we’ll return to our accommodation for the night and unwind, reflecting on the day’s photography experiences.

Morning: November 8th
We’ll rise early to catch the stunning morning light as it gently illuminates the landscape, heading straight to a local wetland to photograph the majestic Royal Spoonbill. With its striking white plumage and distinctive, spoon-shaped bill, the Spoonbill is a captivating subject, especially as it wades through the shallow waters in search of food.

Late Morning/Afternoon
After the shoot, we’ll head south to the Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre, where we’ll photograph endangered species like the Pāteke (Brown Duck), Whio (Blue Duck), Takahē, Kākā, and many more. This protected environment offers a fantastic opportunity to capture these rare and unique creatures in their natural habitat. Afterward, we’ll enjoy a delicious meal at the Pūkaha café. We’ll then head to Masterton for the evening, where we’ll check into our accommodation, relax, and explore the local area.

Morning: November 9th
After breakfast, we’ll depart for Zealandia, Wellington’s premier wildlife sanctuary. Here, you’ll photograph native species such as the Kākā, Tui, Bellbirds (Korimako), and even the elusive Takahe if you’re lucky. The sanctuary’s lush environment offers a perfect setting for capturing these amazing birds in the morning light.

Late Morning to Afternoon
As we bring our incredible birding tour to a close, we’ll reflect on the unforgettable experiences we’ve shared—capturing stunning images of New Zealand’s most iconic and rare bird species in their natural habitats. From the tranquil shores of the beaches to the lush forests and stunning wetlands, every moment has been a chance to connect with nature in its purest form. To ensure a smooth end to this adventure, we’ll arrange convenient drop-offs to the airport, where you’ll be escorted to your departure point, leaving with a camera full of memories and a heart full of new experiences. Im sure the images of New Zealand’s birdlife will stay with you long after the tour ends.

• All tour accommodation – this will range from holiday park cabins to 4 star accommodation.

• All breakfasts included – (no breakfast on day 1) self-service daily continental breakfasts provided in room except day 4 where breakfast provided at gannet colony.

• All dinners provided – no dinner on the last day as the tour ends after lunch.

• All travel and transport – tour starts in Te Awamutu, ends in Wellington.

• All Pick ups from Auckland/Hamilton airports, (Please note these pick ups will occur the day before the tour is scheduled to start).

• All admission fees.

• Snacks.

• Camera gear and accessories.

• Entry to other activities during free time, souvenirs or spending money.

• Alcoholic beverages not included.

• Personal travel insurance.

• Flights to New Zealand.