New Zealand birding and birdwatching locations

Turangi

• By: Kerry Rodgers

Turangi is a small town at the bottom of Lake Taupo, on the banks of the Tongariro River. It lays claim to being the Trout Fishing Capital of the World, but less well publicised is some great birdwatching, if you know where to look.

Kaikoura

• By: Neil Fitzgerald

The small town of Kaikoura sits on the north east coast of the South Island, about half way between Christchurch and Picton, where spectacular scenery enhances some of the best pelagic birdwatching in the world. Kaikoura also offers great opportunities to see many shorebirds and forest species, as well as a variety of marine mammals.