The smallest and rarest species of dolphin, the Hector’s dolphin, has increased in number recently due to the conservation project at the dolphin sanctuary at Banks Peninsula.
About two hours east of Auckland, the stunning Coromandel Peninsula waits to show walkers its treasures. Nature guides Doug Johansen and Jan Poole have become 'Kiwi Dundees'.
A spectacular wilderness on the edge of Auckland City features 250km of walking tracks, waterfalls, untouched native forest, black sand beaches, wild surf and a gannet colony.
Stewart Island or Rakiura (Land of the Glowing Skies) is a nature lover’s delight; kiwis in natural environment and at the Ulva Island Bird Sanctuary over 30 species of bird.
The Yellow Eyed Penguin Reserve, 40 minutes' drive from Dunedin, has been enormously successful in increasing numbers of the world’s most endangered penguin.