Best bets for animal encounters

[room010]

Sorry about that I meant the cute fuzzy bear that is indigenous to Australia. I always spell quantas wrong too I know it is Qantas.

 

But they aren't bears! They are classified as "arboreal herbivorous marsupials" which is probably why we just call them koalas. They are also incredibly grumpy :D;)

[Grumpy100]

I know no wonder I like them so much they are just like me they like to sleep a lot otherwise we get grumpy.

[cruisechaos]

BrendaJ ~

 

In Akaroa, I would recommend swimming with the Hector Dolphins with Black Cat Cruises

You can read our review at: http://www.thenextjourney.com/2011/11/akaroa-swimming-with-the-dolphins-almost/

 

In Wellington, I would recommend Zealandia a New Zealand nature sanctuary

You can read our review at: http://www.thenextjourney.com/2011/11/wellington-zealandia-a-new-zealand-nature-sanctuary/

 

In Dunedin, I would recommend Elm Wildlife Tours. You can read our review at: http://www.thenextjourney.com/2011/09/south-and-east-bluff-catlins-dunedin/

 

I also would recommend Bongorang in Tasmania. Depending on how much time you have there, I would also recommend Cradle Mountain, Mount Field (Russell Falls), and Port Arthur.

 

As you can see, we prefer to see animals in their natural habitat (or in sanctuaries) so we don't tend to go to zoos. If you want ideas on non-wildlife things to do in the other port you can get ideas from our blog: http://www.thenextjourney.com/100-day-trip-aug-nov-2011/

 

If you have any specific questions, send us an e-mail and we will quickly respond.

[kiwijo]

Hi there,

 

New Zealand's wildlife is quite different to Australia - we're known as the youngest country on earth and NZ's separation from the super-continent was at the point mammals were just evolving. So no furry animals but utterly unique birdlife like the kiwi and kakapo and the closest living relative to the dinosaur, the tuatara. This story is really well told at Zealandia's exhibition area, which is just 10 minutes from the cruise terminal in Wellington. Once you've been through the indoor exhibiton, head outside into the Valley and see what you can spot.

http://www.visitzealandia.com/site/zealandia_home/

Your ship may have a shore excursion, a cab would be about $15 one way (estimate) and they operate a free shuttle from the information centre in Wakefield Street.

Wellington Zoo is about 15 minutes from the cruise terminal and they have five (non-native) animal encounters - love the red pandas! You will need to book in advance. http://www.wellingtonzoo.com/net/experience/encounter.aspx