A Bird And Wildlife Photographer’s Dream
Native birds, rare dolphins, giant whales and the cutest alpacas you’ll ever see. The Central South Island is a wildlife photographer’s paradise, complete with epic backdrops of diverse natural landscapes.
Whether you’re a fully-fledged photographer or someone who just really loves to snap photos of animals in action, check out these amazing bird and wildlife photography spots that look like they could be in a David Attenborough film.
Credit: Christchurch City Council Newsline
Travis Wetland, Christchurch
Home to one of Christchurch’s largest concentration of birds, including the Pukeko and 30 other native species, Travis Wetland is a wildlife photographer’s dream. And capturing them in action has never been easier, thanks to a network of tracks and viewing points amongst the swampy landscape. Take a short walk from Burwood’s Beach Road carpark to the bird hide to snap some shots without disturbing the peace.
Credit: Akaroa & The Bays
The World’s Smallest Dolphins, Banks Peninsula
Launching from a historic French village, glide through the belly of an extinct volcano with Black Cat Cruises and you’ll be greeted by the Hector’s Dolphin – the world’s rarest and smallest oceanic dolphin only found in the South Island! With upstairs terraces and a 360-degree viewing platform around the whole boat, you won’t miss out on getting an epic shot of the dolphins playing near the sparkling water’s surface.
Credit: Advocator SY
Make Friends With Alpacas, Banks Peninsula
Ever dreamed of escaping to a place full of warm hugs surrounded by postcard-perfect scenery? Look no further. Tour the ultimate land of cuteness at Shamarra Alpacas – an unparalleled opportunity to cuddle an alpaca on a private farm! Take a selfie with your new friend with panoramic views of Akaroa Harbour’s rolling hills behind you.
An Abundance Of Sea Life, Kaikōura
This picturesque seaside town is a marine life mecca, with 80% of the world’s whale and dolphin species migrating past the coastline. Get the perfect tail shot aboard the ultimate vessel-based whale watching experience, capture a majestic albatross soaring over stunning waters or bring the camera to the fur seals basking on the rocky points along the coast if you prefer to stay on land.
Arthur’s Pass, Selwyn
No adventure to Arthur’s Pass is complete without an encounter with the Kea – New Zealand’s cheekiest alpine parrot. Get the camera out – these clever birds love greeting humans and are known to land on top of cars and buses! You’ll spot them - or they’ll spot you – amongst the stunning scenery at the Otira Viaduct Lookout, a short drive north of Arthur’s Pass Village.
