ew Zealand has a lot to offer the discerning ecotourist. Although, apart from the Kauri, these are not terribly spectacular, there is much here that is of interest for the serious naturalist.

A good climate, stunning scenery and great people make New Zealand one of the great tourist destinations.

(Right) Diesel Dick of Moeraki.
Our yellow-eyed penguin

Albatross  
These magnificent birds which frequent the southern oceans can usually only be seen in places like South Georgia and the Falklands which are both expensive and very difficult to get to. However, here in New Zealand, particularly in the South Is, it is possible to see a number of species of these birds. In fact the only mainland breeding colony of any albatross, the Northern Royal Albatross, is easily reached from the southern city of Dunedin.

Monarch Wildlife Cruises
PO Box 102 (Cnr Wharf and Fryatt Streets)
DUNEDIN
Phone: 64-3-477 4276 0800 666 272
Fax: 64-3-477 4216

Ocean Wings Pelagic Birdwatching
58 West End
Kaikoura
Phone: 64 3 319 6777 0800 73 3365
Fax: 64 3 319 6534

Wings of Kotuku
6a Elliffe Place
PO Box 8058, Dunedin
Phone: 64-3-454 5169
Fax: 64-3-454 5369

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Alpine vegetation

We have over 600 fascinating and beautiful alpine plants, with some 93% of these unique to New Zealand - independent viewing in many southern areas, Spring and Summer are best - tours available at Mt Cook, Alexandra, Nelson Lakes and Lake Tekapo.

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Aquariums
Aquatic World
Marsden Rd
Paihia, Bay of Islands
Fax: 64 9 402 6220

Hawke's Bay Aquarium & Oceanarium
Marine Parade
Napier
Phone: 64 6 834 1404

Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter &
23 Tamaki Drive
Auckland
Phone: 64 9 528 0603
Fax: 64 9 528 5175

Milford Sound Underwater Observatory
Harrison Cove
Milford Sound
Phone: 64 3 249 6602

Queenstown Underwater World Ltd
Maintown Pier
Queenstown
Phone: 64 3 442 8437
Fax: 64 3 442 4437

Southern Encounter
Cathedral Square
Christchurch
Phone: 64 3 377 3474
Fax: 64 3 377 9196

Westland's Waterworld
Sewell St
Hokitika
Phone: 64 3 755 5251
Fax: 64 3 755 5451

WestpacTrust Aquarium
Hatchery Road
Portobello, Dunedin
Phone: 64-3-479 5819
Fax: 64-3-479 5844

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Black Stilt

Kaki/Black Stilt - the world's rarest wader - breeding facility open to inspection at Twizel in the South Island but independent viewing also possible.

Black Stilt Viewing Hide
c/- Department of Conservation, Wairepo Road
PB Twizel
Phone: 64-3-435 0802
Fax: 64-3-435 0852

Kiwi & Birdlife Park
PO Box 643
Queenstown
Phone: 64 3 442 8059
Fax: 64 3 442 8061

Wellington Zoo

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Blue Duck
Staglands Wildlife Reserve
Akatarawa Rd
Akatarawa, Upper Hutt
Phone: 64 9 526 7529

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Caves
Honeycomb Caves, Information & Resource
PO Box 94
Karamea
Phone: 64 3 782 6652
Fax: 64 3 782 6652

Ngarua Caves
Marble Mountain, State Highway 60
Motueka
Phone: 64 3 528 8093

Nocturnal Park
Fairbairn
Kaitaia
Phone: 64 9 408 4100
Fax: 64 9 408 4100

Paparoa Nature Tours
Po Box 36, Punakaiki
West Coast
Phone: 64-3-731 1826
Fax: 64-3-731 1826

Rawhiti Cave
Clifton Rd, RD 1, Takaka
Golden Bay
Phone: 64 3 525 9061

Te Anau-Au Caves
Lake Front, PO Box 1
Te Anau
Phone: 0800 65 65 01
Fax: 64 3 249 7022

The Maori Leap Cave
South Kaikoura
Phone: 64 3 319 5023

Waitomo Glow worm Caves
Private Bag 501
Otorohanga
Phone: 64-7-878 8227
Fax: 64-7-878 8858

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Dolphins
New Zealand Dolphin - the world's rarest marine dolphin. The New Zealand or Hector's Dolphin is one of the world's smallest dolphinsas well as one of the rarest with less than 4000 animals remaining. Nevertheless, because it lives fairly cose inshore it is relatively easy to see and several operators in the South Island offer tours to see this dolphin. Independent viewing possible but tours available at Akaroa, Greymouth and Waikawa.

Abel Tasman Seal Swim
Marahau, RD2
Motueka, Nelson
Phone: 64-3-527 8136 0800 5278136
Fax: 64-3-527 8136

Akaroa Harbour Cruises
Main Wharf
Akaroa, Canterbury
Phone: 64-3-304 7641 021 616 374
Fax: 64-3-304 7643

Bay of Islands Heritage Tours Ltd
Maritime Building, Marsden Rd
Paihia
Phone: 64-9-402 6288 800 423657
Fax: 64-9-402 6808

Canterbury Sea Tours
PO Box 17587
Christchurch
Phone: 025 344 770 64-3-326 5607
Fax: 64-3-326 5607

Catlins Wildlife Trackers
Papatowai RD2
Owaka, South Otago
Phone: 64-3-415 8613 0800
Fax: 64-3-415 8613

Dolphin Discoveries (Paihia)
Maritime Bldg, Marsden Rd
PO Box 400, Paihia, Bay of Islands
Phone: 64-9-402 8234
Fax: 64-9-402 6058

Dolphin Encounter (Kaikoura)
58 West End
Kaikoura
Phone: 64-3-319 6777 0800 733 365
Fax: 64-3-319 6534

Dolphin Experience (Akaroa)
Dolphin Experience
Akaroa
Phone: 64-3-304 7866 0508 365744
Fax: 64 3 508 3657

Dolphin Magic (Catlins)
Waikawa, RD 1
Tokanui, Southland
Phone: 64-3-246 8444
Fax: 64-3-246 8444

Dolphin Watch (Greymouth)
Fax: 64 3 768 7538

Dolphin Watch Marlborough
1 Auckland Street
PO Box 197, Picton
Phone: 64-3-573 8040
Fax: 64-3-575 7906

Dolphins Down Under (Whakatane)
Fax: 0064 7 308 0359

Fiordland Ecology Holidays
1 Home St
Manapouri
Phone: 64-3-249 6600
Fax: 64-3-249 6600

Gemini Galaxsea Charters (Tauranga)
194 Sixteenth Ave
Tauranga
Phone: 64 7 578 3197 025 272 8353

Kiwi Sea Adventures (Westland)
169 State Highway 7, Kaiata
Greymouth
Phone: 64 3 768 7765
Fax: 64 3 768 7765

Koramika Cruises (Catlins)
Waikawa
South Catlins
Phone: 64 3 246 8552
Fax: 64 3 246 8552

Naturally Whale watch
PO Box 89
Kaikoura
Phone: 64-3-319 6767 0800 655 121
Fax: 64-3-319 6545

Ocean Wings Pelagic Birdwatching
58 West End
Kaikoura
Phone: 64 3 319 6777 0800 73 3365
Fax: 64 3 319 6534

Scenicland Dolphin Watch
1 Hinton Rd
Greymouth
Phone: 64-3-768 9770
Fax: 64-3-768 7538

The Kaikoura Wildlife Centre
PO Box 85
Kaikoura
Phone: 64 3 319 662 64 3 319 6868

Thorfinn Charters
PO Box 43
Stewart Island N.Z.
Phone: 64-3-219 1210
Fax: 64-3-219 1210

Wings of Kotuku
6a Elliffe Place
PO Box 8058, Dunedin
Phone: 64-3-454 5169
Fax: 64-3-454 5369

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Ferns

Mamaku - the world's tallest fern - common in many areas.

Prince of Wales Feathers/Ngutungutu kiwi - the most beautiful fern found anywhere - independent viewing in more southern areas.

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Kauri

Kauri - One of the world’s most magnificent trees - independent viewing in Northland - Waipoua Forest and Trounson Kauri Park recommended.

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Gannets
Bush & Beach Ltd
PO Box 3479 Shortland Street
Auckland
Phone: 64-9-478 2882 0800 423224
Fax: 64-9-478 2882

Collingwood Safari Tours
PO Box 15
Collingwood
Phone: 64 3 524 8257
Fax: 64 3 524 8160

Farewell Spit Nature Tours
PO Box 61
Collingwood
Phone: 64 3 524 8188

Gannet Beach Adventures
Charlton Rd, Te Awanga
PO Box 1643, Hastings
Phone: 64-6-875 0898
Fax: 64-6-875 0898

Gannet Safaris Overland Ltd
Summerlee
RD2, Hastings
Phone: 64-6-875 0888
Fax: 64-6-875 0893

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Kea
Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre
Department of Conservation, State Highway 2
Masterton
Phone: 64-6-375 8004
Fax: 64-6-375 8003

Te Anau Wildlife Centre
PO Box 29
Te Anau
Phone: 64 3 249 7921
Fax: 64 3 249 7613

Wilderness Lodge, Arthur's Pass
PO Box 33
Arthur's Pass, Canterbury
Phone: 64-3-318 9246
Fax: 64-3-318 9245

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
60 Hussey Rd
Christchurch
Phone: 64 3 559 6226
Fax: 64 3 359 6212

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King Shag

The most endangered comorant in the world - tours available from Picton in the Sounds.

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Kiwi

Kiwi - There are six types of kiwi in New Zealand but due to the fact they are nocturnal, cryptic and secretive, none of these are easy to see. Nevertheless, the keen ecotourist can still see at least one of these species in the wild with a little bit of effort and even more luck. This is the Southern Brown Kiwi or Tokoeka which lives on Stewart Island.
Independent viewing possible in the far south but tours available on Stewart Island -also many captive populations.

Aroha Island Ecological Centre
Aroha Island, Kurapari Rd,
Rangitane, Kerikeri, New Zealand
Phone: 64-9-407 5243
Fax: 64-9-407 5246

Bravo Adventure Cruises
PO Box 104
Stewart Island
Phone: 64 3 219 1144

Kiwi Wilderness Walks
136 Palmerston St
Riverton, New Zealand
Phone: 64-3-442 6017
Fax: 64-3-442 8342

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Kiwi Houses
Kiwi & Birdlife Park
PO Box 643
Queenstown
Phone: 64 3 442 8059
Fax: 64 3 442 8061

Moana Kiwi House & Conservation Park
Lake Brunner
West Coast
Phone: 64 3 738 0009

Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre
Department of Conservation, State Highway 2
Masterton
Phone: 64-6-375 8004
Fax: 64-6-375 8003

Napier Kiwi House
Marine Parade
Napier
Phone: 64 6 834 1336

Nga Manu Nature Reserve
Ngarara Road, Waikanae
PO Box 126, Waikanae
Phone: 64-4- 293 4131
Fax: 64-4- 293 4131

Nocturnal Park
Fairbairn
Kaitaia
Phone: 64 9 408 4100
Fax: 64 9 408 4100

Otorohanga Kiwi House
PO Box 222
Otorohanga
Phone: 64-7-873 7391
Fax: 64-7-873 7356

Rainbow Springs
Fairy Springs Rd
Rotorua
Phone: 64 7 347 8104
Fax: 64 7 346 0641

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
60 Hussey Rd
Christchurch
Phone: 64 3 559 6226
Fax: 64 3 359 6212

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Kokako

Kokako - Our rare and beautiful songster - independent viewing on Tiritiri Matangi Island also various North Island sites.

Kiwi Outback Guided Bushwalks
Kaharoa Rd,
RD2, Rotorua
Phone: 64-7-332 3629
Fax: 64-7-332 3629

Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre
Department of Conservation, State Highway 2
Masterton
Phone: 64-6-375 8004
Fax: 64-6-375 8003

Otorohanga Kiwi House
PO Box 222
Otorohanga
Phone: 64-7-873 7391
Fax: 64-7-873 7356

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Penguins - Blue
Little Blue Penguin Observatory, Oamaru
Breakwater Road, Oamaru Harbour
Private Bag 50058, Oamaru
Phone: 64-3-434 1718 64-3-434-1656
Fax: 64-3-434 1718

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Penguins - Fiordland Crested  

Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki
PB 722
Hokitika
Phone: 64-3-750 0881
Fax: 64-3-750 0882

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Penguins - Yellow-Eyed

Hoiho -Yellow-eved Penguin - this is regarded as the world's rarest penguin - self-viewing but tours available in Catlins.

Catlins Wildlife Trackers
Papatowai RD2
Owaka, South Otago
Phone: 64-3-415 8613 0800
Fax: 64-3-415 8613

Southlight Wildlife
Harrington Point, Otago Peninsula
2 RD, DUNEDIN
Phone: 64-3-478 0287 025 398 080
Fax: 64-3-478 0287

Wings of Kotuku
6a Elliffe Place
PO Box 8058, Dunedin
Phone: 64-3-454 5169
Fax: 64-3-454 5369

Yellow Eyed Penguin Conservation Reserve
Penguin Place, RD2 Harrington Point Rd
PO Box 963, Dunedin
Phone: 64-3-478 0286
Fax: 64-3-478 0257

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Reptiles
Ti Point Reptiles
Ti point
Leigh
Phone: 64 9 422 6021

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Sea Birds
Akaroa Harbour Cruises
Main Wharf
Akaroa, Canterbury
Phone: 64-3-304 7641 021 616 374
Fax: 64-3-304 7643

Canterbury Sea Tours
PO Box 17587
Christchurch
Phone: 025 344 770 64-3-326 5607
Fax: 64-3-326 5607

Dolphin Encounter (Kaikoura)
58 West End
Kaikoura
Phone: 64-3-319 6777 0800 733 365
Fax: 64-3-319 6534

Dolphin Experience (Akaroa)
Dolphin Experience
Akaroa
Phone: 64-3-304 7866 0508 365744
Fax: 64 3 508 3657

Dolphin Magic (Catlins)
Waikawa, RD 1
Tokanui, Southland
Phone: 64-3-246 8444
Fax: 64-3-246 8444

Dolphin Watch (Greymouth)
Fax: 64 3 768 7538

Dolphin Watch Marlborough
1 Auckland Street
PO Box 197, Picton
Phone: 64-3-573 8040
Fax: 64-3-575 7906

Dolphins Down Under (Whakatane)
Fax: 0064 7 308 0359

Fiordland Ecology Holidays
1 Home St
Manapouri
Phone: 64-3-249 6600
Fax: 64-3-249 6600

Gemini Galaxsea Charters (Tauranga)
194 Sixteenth Ave
Tauranga
Phone: 64 7 578 3197 025 272 8353

Kiwi Sea Adventures (Westland)
169 State Highway 7, Kaiata
Greymouth
Phone: 64 3 768 7765
Fax: 64 3 768 7765

Koramika Cruises (Catlins)
Waikawa
South Catlins
Phone: 64 3 246 8552
Fax: 64 3 246 8552

Monarch Wildlife Cruises
PO Box 102 (Cnr Wharf and Fryatt Streets)
DUNEDIN
Phone: 64-3-477 4276 0800 666 272
Fax: 64-3-477 4216

Ocean Wings Pelagic Birdwatching
58 West End
Kaikoura
Phone: 64 3 319 6777 0800 73 3365
Fax: 64 3 319 6534

Thorfinn Charters
PO Box 43
Stewart Island N.Z.
Phone: 64-3-219 1210
Fax: 64-3-219 1210

Wings of Kotuku
6a Elliffe Place
PO Box 8058, Dunedin
Phone: 64-3-454 5169
Fax: 64-3-454 5369

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Seals
Abel Tasman Seal Swim
Marahau, RD2
Motueka, Nelson
Phone: 64-3-527 8136 0800 5278136
Fax: 64-3-527 8136

Graeme's Seal Adventures Kaikoura
202 Esplanade
Kaikoura
Phone: 64-3-319 6182
Fax: 64-3-319 6241

Happy Chaddy's Charters
Ocean Parade, PO Box 6086
New Plymouth
Phone: 06 758 9133

Monarch Wildlife Cruises
PO Box 102 (Cnr Wharf and Fryatt Streets)
DUNEDIN
Phone: 64-3-477 4276 0800 666 272
Fax: 64-3-477 4216

Palliser Dive & Safari
Kahutara
Wairarapa
Phone: 64-6-308 8362

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Sea Lions

New Zealand Sealion - this rare animal has a number of haul-outs in the far south - independent viewing at Cannibal Bay - tours available.

Akaroa Harbour Cruises
Main Wharf
Akaroa, Canterbury
Phone: 64-3-304 7641 021 616 374
Fax: 64-3-304 7643

Catlins Wildlife Trackers
Papatowai RD2
Owaka, South Otago
Phone: 64-3-415 8613 0800
Fax: 64-3-415 8613

Dolphin Experience (Akaroa)
Dolphin Experience
Akaroa
Phone: 64-3-304 7866 0508 365744
Fax: 64 3 508 3657

Dolphin Magic (Catlins)
Waikawa, RD 1
Tokanui, Southland
Phone: 64-3-246 8444
Fax: 64-3-246 8444

Dolphin Watch (Greymouth)
Fax: 64 3 768 7538

Dolphin Watch Marlborough
1 Auckland Street
PO Box 197, Picton
Phone: 64-3-573 8040
Fax: 64-3-575 7906

Fiordland Ecology Holidays
1 Home St
Manapouri
Phone: 64-3-249 6600
Fax: 64-3-249 6600

Koramika Cruises (Catlins)
Waikawa
South Catlins
Phone: 64 3 246 8552
Fax: 64 3 246 8552

Monarch Wildlife Cruises
PO Box 102 (Cnr Wharf and Fryatt Streets)
DUNEDIN
Phone: 64-3-477 4276 0800 666 272
Fax: 64-3-477 4216

Thorfinn Charters
PO Box 43
Stewart Island N.Z.
Phone: 64-3-219 1210
Fax: 64-3-219 1210

Wings of Kotuku
6a Elliffe Place
PO Box 8058, Dunedin
Phone: 64-3-454 5169
Fax: 64-3-454 5369

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Takahe

Takahe - the world's largest rail and one of the most beautiful. Less than 200 remain - Tiritiri Matangi Is.

Kapiti Island
Phone: 64 4 472 5821
Fax: 64 4499 0077

Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre
Department of Conservation, State Highway 2
Masterton
Phone: 64-6-375 8004
Fax: 64-6-375 8003

Te Anau Wildlife Centre
PO Box 29
Te Anau
Phone: 64 3 249 7921
Fax: 64 3 249 7613

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Tuatara

One of the most ancient of all reptiles, tuatara are the closest living relatives of the dinosaurs alive today. When the Maori arrived here in Aotearoa, Tuatara would have been present in large numbers on the main islands, but due to pressure from introduced predators they are now confined to offshore islands. There are two species. May be seen at several captive populations.

Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre
Department of Conservation, State Highway 2
Masterton
Phone: 64-6-375 8004
Fax: 64-6-375 8003

Otorohanga Kiwi House
PO Box 222
Otorohanga
Phone: 64-7-873 7391
Fax: 64-7-873 7356

Te Anau Wildlife Centre
PO Box 29
Te Anau
Phone: 64 3 249 7921
Fax: 64 3 249 7613

Tuatarium - Southland Museum
PO Box 1012
Invercargill
Phone: 64 3 218 9753
Fax: 64 3 218 9753

Wellington Zoo
Newtown Park, Newtown
Wellington
Phone: 64 4 389 8130
Fax: 64 4 389 4577

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Waders & Coastal Birds
Collingwood Safari Tours
PO Box 15
Collingwood
Phone: 64 3 524 8257
Fax: 64 3 524 8160

Farewell Spit Nature Tours
PO Box 61
Collingwood
Phone: 64 3 524 8188

Miranda Shorebird Centre
RD1
Pokeno
Phone: 64-9-232 2781
Fax: 64-9-232 2781

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Westland Black Petrel

Westland Petrel - highly endangered seabird can be viewed at its nesting site on the West Coast of the South Island - tours available.

Paparoa Nature Tours
Po Box 36, Punakaiki
West Coast
Phone: 64-3-731 1826
Fax: 64-3-731 1826

Wellington Zoo
Newtown Park, Newtown
Wellington
Phone: 64 4 389 8130
Fax: 64 4 389 4577

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Weta

Weta - the world's heaviest insect. Captive populations in Wellington

Nikau Gardens
Kapiti Coast
Wellington
Phone: 64 4 298 8821

Wellington Zoo
Newtown Park, Newtown
Wellington
Phone: 64 4 389 8130
Fax: 64 4 389 4577

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Whales
Dolphin Encounter (Kaikoura)
58 West End
Kaikoura
Phone: 64-3-319 6777 0800 733 365
Fax: 64-3-319 6534
Gemini Galaxsea Charters (Tauranga)
194 Sixteenth Ave
Tauranga
Phone: 64 7 578 3197 025 272 8353

Whale Watch Kaikoura
PO Box 89
Kaikoura
Phone: 64-3-319 6767 0800 655 121
Fax: 64-3-319 6545

Whalewatch Air Limited
Kaikoura Airfield
PO Box 55, Kaikoura
Phone: 64-3-319 6580 0800 226629
Fax: 64-3-319 6668

Air Tours Kaikoura
PO Box 40
Kaikoura
Phone: 0800 524 568
Fax: 64-3-319 5986

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Penguins

Akaroa Harbour Cruises
Main Wharf
Akaroa, Canterbury
Phone: 64-3-304 7641 021 616 374
Fax: 64-3-304 7643

Canterbury Sea Tours
PO Box 17587
Christchurch
Phone: 025 344 770 64-3-326 5607
Fax: 64-3-326 5607

Catlins Wildlife Trackers
Papatowai RD2
Owaka, South Otago
Phone: 64-3-415 8613 0800
Fax: 64-3-415 8613

Dolphin Experience (Akaroa)
Dolphin Experience
Akaroa
Phone: 64-3-304 7866 0508 365744
Fax: 64 3 508 3657

Dolphin Magic (Catlins)
Waikawa, RD 1
Tokanui, Southland
Phone: 64-3-246 8444
Fax: 64-3-246 8444

Dolphin Watch Marlborough
1 Auckland Street
PO Box 197, Picton
Phone: 64-3-573 8040
Fax: 64-3-575 7906

Fiordland Ecology Holidays
1 Home St
Manapouri
Phone: 64-3-249 6600
Fax: 64-3-249 6600

Monarch Wildlife Cruises
PO Box 102 (Cnr Wharf and Fryatt Streets)
DUNEDIN
Phone: 64-3-477 4276 0800 666 272
Fax: 64-3-477 4216

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Whio

our unique and increasingly rare mountain duck - independent viewing with patience and in many managed collections.

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White Heron
Okarito Nature Tours
Okarito, Private Bag 777
Hokitika
Phone: 64-3-753 4014
Fax: 64-3-753 4014

White Heron Sanctuary Tours
PO Box 19
Whataroa
Phone: 64-3-753 4120
Fax: 64-3-753 4087