Also known as Dominican Gull or Kelp Gull. The latter something of a misnomer in NZ with Black-backs commonly seen well inland, with some breeding amongst mountains.
Breeding areas
Coastal NZ, offshore islands, Chathams, Auckland, Campbell and Antipodes; also breeeds inland in NZ region. Subantarctic and temperate southern hemisphere including Australia
Breeding season
October to February
Dispersal migration
Ranges widely in NZ
Taiaroa Head is the only mainland breeding ground of any species of albatross
Our private yellow-eyed penguin conservation area provides up close spectacular penguin viewing and excellent viewing of many other pelargic and land based species with small groups on the spectacular Otago Peninsula
The Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony provides you with the perfect opportunity to watch blue penguins as they return from a busy day at sea
Embark on a unique multi-day voyage of discovery that very few New Zealanders get to experience
Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki is a 28-room nature Lodge in the untouched rainforest of the South West New Zealand World Heritage Area
See New Zealand with the birding experts
Wilderness Lodge Arthur's Pass is a 24 room nature Lodge nestled in mountain beech forest on its own 3,000 hectare nature reserve/merino sheep station
Extensive tidal flats and saltmarsh bordered by a rare shellbank chenier plain, create at Miranda, a world renowned and very accessible site for migratory and endemic waders
We are passionate about our wildlife and environment. Receive personal attention in small groups from friendly, knowledgeable guides and enjoy tours that are generous in length with descriptive commentary on the behaviour and habits of birds.
Moutohora (Whale Island) Island Sanctuary birding tour
A warm current from the Australian Great Barrier Reef flows onto Stewart Island. This brings a much more diverse variety of marine creatures than would normally be found in waters of this latitude, a visit will have you wishing for more
Albatross Encounter, is a well established pelagic boat tour operating from the picturesque coastal town of Kaikoura
Situated within the South Westland World Heritage area, Okarito Lagoon contains over 5000 hectares of shallow waterways and wetlands
Lochmara Lodge is set on the tranquil shores of the Queen Charlotte Sounds
Sails Ashore boutique hosted accommodation & Sails Guided Walks and Tours in a single package offers the very best of Stewart Island and in particular Ulva Island Open Sanctuary
Kotuku on Okarito LagoonExplore the Okarito Lagoon with us and see the incredible diversity of a landscape that sweeps from sea to mountains across New Zealand’s largest unmodified wetland area
Beach, bush & birds, this Auckland day tour is a nature lovers dream, beachcombers paradise and photographers ideal playground New Zealand bird Tui
To discover New Zealand’s unique bird-life and finest natural wonderlands, contact the specialists in custom designed birding tours for small groups, couples and individuals
Share our passion and knowledge of this idyllic region. Book a tour with Abel Tasman Eco Tours and experience the slice of heaven that is the Abel Tasman National Park.