| Birds of New Zealand - Locality Guide 2nd ed. (2000) Stuart Chambers |
Very useful for finding localities for specific species and also good general birding spots. As is inevitable with guides of this type, some of the information is out of date (eg. Blue Ducks are no longer 90% certain at Waikaremoana). |
| Lonely Planet Guide |
The detail maps are very useful. Also full of information on general tourist attractions and suggestions of places to stay. |
|
|
| Field Guides |
|
| Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand (1997). Barrie Heather & Hugh Robertson |
The best field guide to all the birds of New Zealand. Available as a lightweight field guide and also a larger handbook which contains a lot of extra information about the biology and conservation status of each species. |
| A Complete Guide to Antarctic Wildlife (2002). Hadoram Shirihai |
The most up-to-date treatise detailing the identification of the birds and mammals of the southern oceans. Most of the pelagic species occuring in New Zealand are covered by this invaluable book. |
| Which New Zealand Insect? (2002). Andrew Crowe |
The best insect guide I could find. A bit basic, but covers most of the commonly encountered species. |
|
|
| Websites |
|
| Surfbirds Trip Reports |
A good place to start looking for up-to-date reports |
| Pterodroma Pelagics |
Pelagic cruises in the Hauraki Gulf, the far north, and around Stewart Island. Also, a page with the most current news on the New Zealand Storm-petrel. |
| Albatross Encounters |
Pelagic boat trips from Kaikoura. Each trip is only about 2.5hours. To have a chance at seeing the full range of species, I'd recommend taking at least 2 trips (you get a NZ$10 discount on every trip after your first one). |
| Whale Watch Kaikoura |
Whale-watching trips to see the Sperm Whales at Kaikoura. Quite expensive, but well worth it. |
| Dolphin Watch Ecotours |
Boat trip along the Queen Charlotte Sound (the only realistic chance of seeing the King Shags. |
| Tiritiri Matangi Accommodation |
Information on the bunkhouse accommodation on Tiritiri Matangi Island. It is essential to book several months in advance! |
| Trounson Park Kiwi walk |
Information on the nocturnal walks in Trounson Forest to see the North Island Brown Kiwi. A bargain at only NZ$15. Walks last around 3 hours. |
| Stewart Island Kiwi trip |
He doesn't have a website, but you can e-mail Phillip Smith to book a place on a trip to see the Stewart Island Kiwis. It's a good idea to provisionally book for at least 2 nights as trips are regularly cancelled if the weather is unfavourable. |
| Interislander Ferry |
Booking information and sailing times for the Wellington to Picton Ferry |
| Stewart Island Ferry |
Booking information and sailing times for the Bluff to Oban |
