New Zealand is a Birdwatching Paradise
3 min read
If you are an avid birder or are wondering how to start birding, our private custom travel team can plan incredible bird watching vacations for families and birding trips for seniors. With our consultants handling every detail of your trip based on your specific desires and preferences, you can relax and enjoy a restful bird trip in the world’s top birding destinations.
Plan the Ultimate Birding Vacation in New Zealand
New Zealand is a breathtaking country that is rich in natural beauty and diverse landscapes, and it is the perfect backdrop for your bird photography holidays. It is a tropical paradise for visitors and an oasis for many unique bird species. While birding can be done anywhere, New Zealand is widely considered one of the best places in the world for bird watching because more than 90 percent of its native birds are not found anywhere else, and it has more endemic birds than any other country.
It is no surprise that some of the most sought-after species—the kiwi (New Zealand’s national bird) and kākāpō—are found there. The island is also home to the kōkako, kea, tūī, fantail and so many more.
Our private custom travel consultants can arrange a number of luxury birding tours that will get you close up to a number of first-time sightings. We can arrange guided walking tours, hiking excursions, kayaking or cruising and much more to ensure you have the best birding trips. During your time in New Zealand, you can travel by private air between the North Island, South Island and Stewart Island to ensure you see all the birds unique to each island.
Frequently Asked Questions About Birding
What is birding?
Birding, also known as bird watching, is the act of watching birds. According to a recent survey conducted by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, more than 46 million Americans participate in bird watching each year. Additionally, birding trips are a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get exercise, as it can involve hiking, biking, kayaking and much more to get to the plethora of birds you’re wanting to see.
What is a twitcher in birding?
In New Zealand, birders are known as “twitchers.” This term originated when bird watchers would twitch their heads to try and catch sight of a rare species, or one that they want to check off their list.
What is a lifer in birding?
A lifer is a first-time sighting for a bird watcher. If you’ve never taken a bird vacation in New Zealand, you will have lots of opportunities to see lifers as it is home to many endemic species.
Is birding a sport?
In short, no, it is not classified as a sport. Although there are some competitions, birding is most commonly considered a hobby and an activity rather than a sport. But it continues to grow tremendously popular.
What’s the best camera for bird watching?
If you’re just getting started in photography and are looking to capture key memories from your bird watching trips, any standard point-and-zoom camera will work great. If you are more advanced, some features to emphasize in your search for a DSLR or mirrorless camera are a fast autofocus speed and good quality in low light as well as daylight and strong outdoor photography performance. But, as the saying goes, the best camera is the one you have with you, so make sure whatever camera you choose is comfortable to carry along on your birding vacations.
How to choose binoculars for birding?
We suggest an 8 x 42 (8x magnification with a 42-mm objective lens size). They are ideal for viewing birds at any distance and will enhance any birding trip.
What is the best birding app?
Apps like Merlin Bird ID will help identify birds from photos and recordings, and we highly recommend using it even if you have more experience with identifying them. Some people also use eBird or iBird Pro when they’re out in nature. On the best birding vacations, you don’t always have time to scroll through hundreds of species while looking at real-life specimens, so these apps make identification easier and faster.
Ready to Plan Your Bird Watching Holidays?
If you’re looking to plan bird holidays, our private custom travel consultants would love to talk to you. If you’re interested in learning more about New Zealand, you can read what our private custom travel consultant, Kate, had to say about her experience on a scouting trip here.
Let’s Get Started
We are ready to create a one-of-a-kind journey just for you. Get in touch with us today.
Contact a Consultant
To begin the reservation process, call 1 (888) 723-4480 or fill out the form below and one of our travel consultants will be in touch.
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