Overnight Experiences Kaka Point

EXPERIENCE
Join Edin Whitehead and Tony Whitehead, our award winning wildlife photographers, on a 4-day tour showcasing the Catlins, a region in the southern part of New Zealand's South Island, known for its rich and diverse wildlife and ecosystems. The area's unique combination of rainforests, coastline, and wetlands provides a habitat for a variety of New Zealand’s rarest wildlife animal species.
Here, we'll have the opportunity to witness an incredible array of wildlife, including sea lions, fur seals, yellow-eyed penguins, and an array of sea and shore birds.
This wildlife tour offers you an unforgettable opportunity to connect with nature, observe rare and beautiful wildlife in their habitats, and capture lasting memories in the remarkable landscapes of the Catlins. Join us for an adventure you'll cherish for a lifetime.
ITINERARY
Day 1 - Dunedin - Catlins
We leave Dunedin and make our way to the Catlins. Upon our arrival, we take the opportunity to capture the beauty of wildlife in its natural environment on the shores of Kaka Point. Our aim is to capture sea lions (pakake/whakahao), fur seals (kekeno), and various shorebirds through our photography lens.
Day 2 – Catlins
This morning we start at the breathtaking Nugget Point coastline, an area teeming with wildlife. Numerous seabird species, including royal spoonbills (kōtuku-ngutupapa) and, if we're fortunate, flocks of sooty shearwater (tītī). Occasionally, we may also catch sight of New Zealand fur seals (kekeno) and various other marine mammal species. Following this, we continue our journey along the Catlins Coastline, where we hope to encounter shorebirds such as banded dotterels (tūturiwhatu), oystercatchers (tōrea), and sea lions.

Day 3 – Catlins
As the sun rises, we'll make our way to a secluded rocky beach, where we'll have the chance to capture the magic of Yellow-eyed Penguins as they leisurely make their way to the sea. Following this inspiring morning outing, you'll have the opportunity to engage in post-production work on your favourite wildlife images from the past few days.
Later in the day, we'll journey to a stunning estuary, immersing ourselves in an untouched podocarp forest thriving with birdlife, including bellbirds (korimako), kererū, and fantails (pīwakawaka). We'll explore the saltmarsh and estuary, where wading birds like royal spoonbills and bar-tailed godwits (kauka) find their seasonal haven near the estuary's mouth each year.
Day 4 – Catlins - Dunedin
On the last day of our tour, we'll delve deeper into the wonders of Nugget Point, embarking on one last photoshoot before commencing our journey back to Dunedin airport, where we'll link up with late afternoon flights.
Note: Depending on weather and tidal conditions we may alter the itinerary to make the most of the conditions and opportunities available.

PRICE INCLUDES
4-days photography guiding by Edin Whitehead & Tony Whitehead
3 nights accommodation at Kaka Point Motel (single room included)
3 breakfasts
Private Yellow-eyed Penguin trip
Transport during the tour
DOC (National Park) concession fees
Copy of our Pocket Guide to Landscape & Wildlife Photography
Donation to our Conservation Fund
Native tree planting to Carbon Offset your tour