Reviews and travel ratings on Okarito Kiwi Tours in New Zealand (97% from 56 reviews) Come see a kiwi in it's natural habitat
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Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & Blowholes Walk
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91%(out of 100)
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Pororari River Track - Punakaiki
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89%(out of 100)
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Franz Josef Glacier - Terminal face walk
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89%(out of 100)
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Cape Foulwind Seal Colony to Cape Foulwind Lighthouse walk
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87%(out of 100)
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Fox Glacier - Terminal face walk
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86%(out of 100)
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Thunder Creek Falls Walk - Haast Pass
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84%(out of 100)
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The Hokitika Glowworm Dell
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77%(out of 100)
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Punakaiki Cavern walk
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23%(out of 100)
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Cape Reinga Walk
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89%(out of 100)
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Mount Maunganui Walk
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89%(out of 100)
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Tongariro Alpine Crossing
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89%(out of 100)
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Cape Kidnappers Walk
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88%(out of 100)
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Cathedral Cove Walk
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88%(out of 100)
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Huka Falls Walk - Lake Taupo
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86%(out of 100)
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Wellington Botanic Gardens
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84%(out of 100)
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Government Gardens and walk - Rotorua
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76%(out of 100)
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Marokopa Falls - Waitomo area
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76%(out of 100)
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Pukekura Park - New Plymouth
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75%(out of 100)
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Abbey Caves
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74%(out of 100)
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Whangarei Quarry Gardens
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74%(out of 100)
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Milford Track - Fiordland National Park
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92%(out of 100)
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Wharariki Beach walking track - Farewell Spit & Puponga Farm Park
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92%(out of 100)
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Sandfly Bay Walk - Otago Peninsula
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92%(out of 100)
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Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & Blowholes Walk
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91%(out of 100)
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Rob Roy Track - Matukituki Valley
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91%(out of 100)
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Routeburn Track
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91%(out of 100)
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McLeans Island Park and tracks
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74%(out of 100)
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Christchurch - Little River Railtrail
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70%(out of 100)
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Moonlight Track - Arhturs Point to Moke Lake
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66%(out of 100)
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Clutha River Track (Alexandra to Clyde)
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63%(out of 100)
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Pavilion Peak Track - Pavilion Peak Track
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52%(out of 100)
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‘K’ Road Track - Oparara Basin
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Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & Blowholes Walk
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91%(out of 100)
(ranking score info)
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Pororari River Track - Punakaiki
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89%(out of 100)
(ranking score info)
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Franz Josef Glacier - Terminal face walk
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89%(out of 100)
(ranking score info)
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Cape Foulwind Seal Colony to Cape Foulwind Lighthouse walk
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87%(out of 100)
(ranking score info)
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Fox Glacier - Terminal face walk
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86%(out of 100)
(ranking score info)
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Thunder Creek Falls Walk - Haast Pass
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84%(out of 100)
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Mountain Helicopters |
94%(out of 100)
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Glacier Helicopters |
93%(out of 100)
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Fox Glacier & Franz Josef Heliservices |
85%(out of 100)
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The Helicopter Line West Coast Glaciers |
82%(out of 100)
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Wilderness Wings |
42%(out of 100)
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Fox Glacier Holiday Park |
88%(out of 100)
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Jacksons Retreat Campervan Holiday Park - Jacksons |
86%(out of 100)
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Seal Colony Top 10 Holiday Park - Westport |
86%(out of 100)
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Franz Josef Mountain View Top 10 Holiday Park |
85%(out of 100)
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Rainforest Holiday Park - Franz Josef Glacier |
85%(out of 100)
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Punakaiki Beach Camp |
82%(out of 100)
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Lake Paringa Campsite |
71%(out of 100)
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Lake Mahinapua Campsite |
66%(out of 100)
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Gillespies Beach Campsite |
65%(out of 100)
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Marble Hill Campsite - Springs Junction |
57%(out of 100)
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Slab Hut Creek Campsite - Reefton |
56%(out of 100)
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Otto/MacDonalds Campsite - Franz Josef |
50%(out of 100)
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Mountain Helicopters |
94%(out of 100)
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Franz Josef Heli Hike |
83%(out of 100)
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The Helicopter Line West Coast Glaciers |
82%(out of 100)
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PaulJames
Ranking: 10/10
This was a fantastic experience with exceptional views had of two pairs of Okarito kiwis, one feeding just a few feet aw…
This was a fantastic experience with exceptional views had of two pairs of Okarito kiwis, one feeding just a few feet away on the path. As a bird guide myself I could not help but be impressed with Ian's professionalism and also his enthusiasm for his local kiwis. If you have not already experienced this tour, it is an absolute must for anyone with an interest in NZ birds especially as you are almost guaranteed to see a kiwi. My 15 year old son rated it his second best experience in NZ beaten only by seeing the All Blacks beat Australia in Christchurch!
SergeiNZ
Ranking: 10/10
Ian, thanks a lot!
Very well prepared, smoothly delivered, -- well done!
Will repeat this experience when come with a ne…
Ian, thanks a lot!
Very well prepared, smoothly delivered, -- well done!
Will repeat this experience when come with a new class; definitely recommended.
Thank you!
Sergei
jakepconcordiaUSA
Ranking: 10/10
I have been on this trip twice, and both times have had my expectations exceeded. Informative, professional, and very e…
I have been on this trip twice, and both times have had my expectations exceeded. Informative, professional, and very exciting-whether or not you see a Kiwi. Ian is extremely well prepared and is able to understand these unique animals on a very personal level (probably one of the reasons why the success rate for seeing a Kiwi is so high). Visiting New Zealand without visiting Okarito would be a tragic mistake, and visiting Okarito without taking a Kiwi Tour would be a lifelong regret. Bottom line- don't miss out on one of the best parts of New Zealand- go see a Kiwi with Ian in Okarito.
Thanks Jake, for the great review. Hope you had another great time while in Aotearoa.
Always nice to get positive feedback - cheers co-guide ! For your info - they look like they are preparing to sit on an egg.
Fancy - the other male in the area, was sitting on an egg - which has now been recovered.
Ian
France s
Ranking: 10/10
Many Kiwis don't ever get the chance to see the birds they are named for, let alone living naturally and undisturbed by …
Many Kiwis don't ever get the chance to see the birds they are named for, let alone living naturally and undisturbed by humans in the forest. The fact that Ian helped us to do this, sharing his knowledge and love for the Rowi so well made this the highlight of our trip.
His ethos of not impacting on the Kiwi's nightly routines at all, just observing carefully, is hugely appreciated.
We were so motivated and curious to test our own kiwi finding skills that we made a small detour in our roadtrip - with an element of success too!
Thanks Francis - Another great night in the bush - well done for putting in the effort on a cold night
Cbarrass
Ranking: 10/10
My thanks to Paul who took my wife and Daughter along with myself into the bush to view the Kiwi, with great success.
…
My thanks to Paul who took my wife and Daughter along with myself into the bush to view the Kiwi, with great success.
What an experience of nature rare breed protected by dedicated and expert team, with great results over years of protecting this weird and wonderful bird.
We visited in April and on the day at Franz josef rang the tour on the off chance we could fit in that night, and we did
There were plenty of Mozzies targeting us and the odd possem but to see the Large Kiwi and hear their screams
was superb, long may this continue and if you get chance do it, be patiant and quiet and you wil be rewarded.
nicovm26
Ranking: 10/10
The best wildlife experience in my life! The guides are very passionate about the birds and they sure know how to transf…
The best wildlife experience in my life! The guides are very passionate about the birds and they sure know how to transfer it to you!
Even on a rainy night they find the birds an you see them without them knowing you are there. They are professional and really care about the birds.
It pays of to be patient even if you get wet.
Rainy nights are certainly a challenge - Great to achieve the impossible....again.
Marcia & Bruce
Ranking: 10/10
We saw a kiwi! Excellent guide - Ian. Great walk & fascinating information, money helps support recovery program.
We saw a kiwi! Excellent guide - Ian. Great walk & fascinating information, money helps support recovery program.
Stephanie K
Ranking: 8/10
good guide, small group, exclusive, long waiting to see a kiwi.
good guide, small group, exclusive, long waiting to see a kiwi.
One of the best trips of the season !
A pair of kiwi, oblivious to us snuffling away to each other on the track for over 5 minutes. Really great to see the interaction.
Well worth the 40 minute wait !
DavidLapointe
Ranking: 10/10
The Okarito kiwi tours was definitely my best wildlife experience ever! Ian shared with us his great passion of these so…
The Okarito kiwi tours was definitely my best wildlife experience ever! Ian shared with us his great passion of these so unique birds. It was more than a classic guided tour, we worked it out as part of a team. As Ian said: it's a team work...and so it was...in a truly respectful way of kiwis inhabitat. Generous of his time and knowledge, we've learned with Ian that above the people, we all have the responsibility of preserving our precious but so fragile earth and his wildlife. This tour is more than seeing kiwis, it's experiencing wildlife. Keep it that way Ian!
David - I really enjoyed your company and great attitude - many thanks for the maple syrup. Thanks for being a great co-guide. Ian
Jim Scarff
Ranking: 10/10
As one who has led many wildlife tours, I was impressed by Ian’s and Paul’s ability to find kiwis, and to communicat…
As one who has led many wildlife tours, I was impressed by Ian’s and Paul’s ability to find kiwis, and to communicate what is so special about the Okarito kiwi. Minimal-impact close observation of wildlife, particularly when the life histories of individual animals is known, is a catalyst in changing generic concern for endangered species into a personal commitment to work for their preservation. I also saw Kiwis in captivity at several wildlife parks and on Steward Island. All were good, but Okarito Kiwi tours was the highlight of my four weeks in NZ.
My guide, Paul, knows many natural history subjects well, is highly skilled at field work, and is very enthusiastic. The night’s highlights:
9.55 Joline stomped out of the brush onto the track < 5 meters away, probing with her bill, paying no mind to us. She wandered slowly in our direction nearly stepping on my boots, walked a couple of meters, paused, as if remembering some meeting, and trotted off down the track, unaffected by our presence.
10.17 BZ came out his burrow; Paul shined a flashlight w/ a red filter on BZ just as he let out an amazingly loud call, his whole body shaking with the effort. (very rare sighting)
10.17 BQ called, then a few seconds later BQ answered (out of view) - equally loud, but different. BQ came out onto the track near us, and trundled off down the road in the most ungainly, uncoordinated, lop-sided canter I have ever seen.]
10.25 BQ came out less than 5 meters away from where we were standing, and paying no attention to us, trotted off down the track in the same direction BZ had gone.
10.45 Joline called (not seen) Later we came upon yet another, unidentified kiwi feeding at the edge of the track about two meters away from a brush-tailed possum which was also feeding. Although they were physically close to each other, and no doubt aware of each other's presence, we saw no interaction. Morepork (owl) were calling around us.
Linley Faulkner
Ranking: 10/10
If you want to see a kiwi in the wild not just any old kiwi but the Okariko Kiwi then look no further than a tour with I…
If you want to see a kiwi in the wild not just any old kiwi but the Okariko Kiwi then look no further than a tour with Ian. An unforgettable experience not just to see a little more about them and the environment that they inhabit. Oh yeah and a lot of patience goes a long way to achieving your goals, right Ian.
Mike & Kirsty Wilmott
Ranking: 10/10
We came over from the UK for a month to see some of the geographical features and wildlife that NZ is famous for and wer…
We came over from the UK for a month to see some of the geographical features and wildlife that NZ is famous for and were recommended this trip by a group of birdwatchers we met on an Elm Wildlife Tour of the Otago Peninsula, Dunedin.
My wife is not a keen birdwatcher, but this trip was one of our highlights. Ian clearly has the welfare of the Kiwi at the heart of this operation and gives a good briefing before setting out. This is not a 'twitch' but a patient search, aided by Ian's equipment that can detect where the birds are by transmitters attached to them (not done to help birdwatchers but to build up more knowledge of the movements and habits of this endangered bird - and it is currently working, with numbers increasing - ask Ian). We were able to see three birds, appreciating their size, gait and appearance. We were also able to hear them crashing through the bush close to our position on the trackway, smell them and hear their calls - as well as listen in to a noisy territorial scrap between two of them.
The walk back to the cars with the NZ night sky overhead was fantastic, and as a bonus we got to hear several Morepork and see one.
Both my wife and myself loved this trip, and Ian's approach is one that should be at the heart of nature tours - not a tick list but a genuine trip of discovery. You will need patience, teamwork and have to put up with buzzy mossies (Ian provides the protective clothing to prevent you being bitten), but the rewards are immense. Don't miss out on this trip if you have any interest in Kiwis at all - my wife reated it higher than whale watching at Kaikoura.
Keith Martin
Ranking: 10/10
One of the most fun evenings I have had in the bush. Seeing the kiwis is of course a highlight, indeed the main motivati…
One of the most fun evenings I have had in the bush. Seeing the kiwis is of course a highlight, indeed the main motivation to go, but I found Ian's group dynamic management and his whole approach to taking a bunch of strangers into the Okarito night quite unique and really worth experiencing. I have bird watched in many places with different people, but I haven't experienced anything quite like this before.
It is MUCH MORE than a kiwi hunt. Go along and find out why!
Kay Beaumont
24 May 2010.