Things to do in Canterbury Region, South Island: The Best Nature & Wildlife Tours

Pohatu penguins is a family owned business that offers 4WD safaris trip to the Largest Little penguin colony on mainland New Zealand. Conservation based tours include: -Evening penguin tours -Scenic nature safaris (2 or 4 hours) -Sea-kayaking with seals and other wildlife -24 or 48 hour package including accommodation in the middle of the penguin colony

One of the best places in the world to encounter dolphins in the wild! We operate on the dolphins' terms. Swim with the dolphins in their natural environment or watch their acrobatic displays form the comfort of the boat.

Experience Kaikoura's mighty Sperm Whale, playful Dusky Dolphin and majestic scenery from above! Wings Over Whales Kaikoura conduct whale watching flights, scenic mountain tours and private charter. Endorsed by Qualmark New Zealand, our professional and experienced team will ensure you have a safe and comfortable flight. Passengers have their own window seat and our high-winged aircraft will allow you to enjoy unobstructed views of Kaikoura's marine wildlife and spectacular scenery. Wings Over Whales operate two aircraft; a 4-seater Cessna 172 as well as an 8-seater Gippsland Airvan. Wings Over Whales are situated at Kaikoura Airport, an 8km drive south from the town centre. Located in an inviting log cabin terminal, customers can enjoy great facilities with on-site gift shop, cafe and rest room facilities. In typical 30 minute flight you will see the majestic Sperm Whale preparing for his next dive and up to 500 Dusky Dolphins playfully swimming. Occasional sightings include Orca, Humpback,Pilot and the rare Blue Whale.

Kaikoura is one of the best places in the world to see a variety of albatross close to shore! Get up close and personal to the largest wingspan in the world - the wandering albatross. Scenic boat tours to visit the majestic pelagic birds that frequent the Kaikoura coastline.

Don’t be misled that you are about to embark on merely a simple farm tour. A visit to this 5th, 6th and now 7th generation family, descendants of the earliest French settlers on Banks Peninsula, is thought provoking and entertaining whilst it educates you on how farming has developed from 1837 to the present day.

Experience the fantastic coastline around Akaroa in a spacious and comfortable Kauri launch. Local skipper, Tony, takes small groups to view the amazing wildlife,including penguins,dolphins, fur seals, and spectacular rock formations and sea caves.Terrific photo opportunities!

Swimming with New Zealand fur seals in the shallow bays of the beautiful Kaikoura Peninsula really is an experience that you don't want to miss. Tours take 2.5 hours and depart several times daily during summer. No experience is necessary and all equipment is supplied. Many travelers site their seal swimming experience as a highlight of there New Zealand holiday. For more information contact us...

Let our crew, including our dolphin spotting dogs, take you on a journey of discovery through the long history of Akaroa harbour and its inhabitants. Our low-lying luxurious, spacious boat ensures you have a closer encounter with the rare Hector’s dolphins. We also endeavour to give you the best possible viewing of our local New Zealand fur seals, penguins and seabirds. Along the way, you will get to see sea caves and other spectacular volcanic formations too. We offer a friendly and comfortable experience that includes complimentary drinks of local award-winning wine, beer or juice, as well as some delicious home baking. Our 100% locally owned and operated business is committed to raising awareness and protecting the marine environment. That is why a portion of your fare goes towards protecting our wildlife. To find out more about our conservation commits please visit our website. Please note, we do not swim with the dolphins.

Sightseeing tours including Aoraki Mount Cook Day tour or overnight trip,Tekapo transfer tour,Christchurch garden tour , Akaroa Day trip with nature cruise or swim with dolphins, Kaikoura whalewatching or swim with dolphins, Hanmer hot spring trips , Tranz Alpine train day tour with hiking in the Arthurs Pass National Park , wineries and hiking.I prepare homemade 2 course picnic lunches which enables us to have flexibility so that we can change our schedule if the weather is not on our side.My vehicle seats 7 guests. However am able to arrange charters of larger vehicles to suit clients wishes or groups size.I also speak and write Japanese so delighted to assist guests from Japan with their holidays to New Zealand. In my 25th year now of guiding the beautiful South Island and as a local feel I really do get to show overseas visitors a lot of wonderful places that you simply don't get to see if you are on a large coach.Please refer to my Trip Advisor review s on CanNZ Day Tours.

Join Driftwood Eco Tours on an expedition into New Zealand heartland where you will live like the locals, and take memories home which will last you a lifetime. You will learn about New Zealand's lore and culture, taste the local kai, and experience what it is that makes New Zealand one of the best places in the World to live. Immerse yourself in the real New Zealand that few have the opportunity to see. You will be guided into locations of rugged, untamed beauty and splendid isolation. Along the way you may meet the remarkable people who choose to work and raise their families in these often challenging but always rewarding landscapes.