One of the world’s best full day pelagic seabird tours
Tutukaka,
New Zealand
69 seabird species recorded
This one of the world’s most diverse seabird hotspots … including an impressive 52 tubenose species
Huge seabird feeding workups
When thousands of seabirds gather in huge feeding workups the spectacle is truly breathtaking – one of our tour specialties
Longest seabird tour in NZ
With 9-10 hours at sea, we give you more time offshore with the seabirds than any other New Zealand pelagic tour
Join The Petrel Station seabird tours for a full-day offshore birding and wildlife experience in one of the most diverse seabird regions on Earth. From huge Albatross to tiny Storm Petrels, these tours offer an extraordinary chance to experience New Zealand’s rich pelagic wildlife up close offshore from Tutukaka.
Why The Petrel Station is so special
6,484,809 seabirds recorded so far … from 167 seabird tours
The Petrel Station seabird tours have a well-earned reputation as one of the best full-day pelagic seabird birdwatching tours in New Zealand – and the world. Offshore from Tutukaka, we experience a remarkable marine environment known for exceptional seabird diversity and unforgettable close up seabird encounters – all showcasing why New Zealand is known as the ‘Seabird Capital of the World’.
Why the seabird experience here is exceptional:
The best tour in the world to see the rare New Zealand Storm Petrel
Huge seasonal feeding workups of Buller’s Shearwaters and Fairy Prions
Our impressive list of specialty seabirds includes Pycroft’s Petrel, Cook’s Petrel, Black Petrel, Little Shearwater, Chatham Albatross, Grey Noddy.
Migrating seabirds and scarce vagrant seabirds add to the diversity
Our latitude delivers a great mix of tropical and southern seabirds
Exceptional seabird diversity with albatross, petrels, shearwaters, storm petrels, prions, skuas, and other seabird species
One of New Zealand’s most important seabird breeding areas, and a globally significant seabird hotspot
Why guests love our tours:
Longest pelagic seabird tour in New Zealand, with 9–10 hours on the water you get more time out with the seabirds
Our fully walk-around boat layout offers exceptional close-up seabird encounters and excellent photography opportunities
Recognised as one of the world’s standout full-day pelagic seabird tours
Tours contribute to our long-term at-sea research project
Year round tours provide a diverse mix of seabirds and seasonal highlights
With world-class birding, spectacular wildlife, and a truly unique offshore setting, this is one of New Zealand’s great wildlife experiences.
Recent tour reports
Our past tour reports are a fantastic way to see what has been encountered recently on The Petrel Station seabird tours.
From seasonal highlights and rare species to exceptional seabird diversity and major feeding frenzy events. The reports also show how dynamic the marine system offshore from Tutukaka can be through the year.
Tour reviews
Check out some of the outstanding reviews that birdwatchers, wildlife enthusiasts, and photographers from around the world have shared about their experience with us on The Petrel Station seabird tours offshore from Tutukaka
Ready to experience one of New Zealand’s great seabird tours?
Join The Petrel Station seabird tours from Tutukaka for a full-day offshore wildlife experience in one of the most diverse seabird regions on Earth.
Our ongoing seabird research project
Get some merch
Take home a piece of The Petrel Station with our official team Tshirts, hats, caps and pin badges.
Keep updated
Find out when new seabird tour dates are added, and other news from The Petrel Station.