19 March 2026

THE PETREL STATION TOUR REPORT

Had a fantastic day out on the latest pelagic seabird tour to The Petrel Station, offshore from Tutukaka (in Northland, New Zealand).

In total we recorded just over of 10,500 stunning seabirds, and 23 seabird species (see the full species list below). Conditions on the day were fine, with 12-20 knot winds and a 2m swell.

Keen to join us for a unique seabird experience in 2026? We’re heading into autumn now, when the Albatross species return so check out our upcoming seabird tour dates and get in touch – It’s always a great day out 😁.

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Black-browed Albatross

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Black-winged Petrel

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Pycroft's Petrel

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Grey Noddy

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Buller's Albatross

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Hammerhead Shark

Here’s the full tour results from the day:

Seabirds seen:

• 1 x Buller's Albatross

• 1 x Black-browed Albatross

• 6 x White-capped Albatross

• 10 x Fairy Prion

• 56 x Cook's Petrel

• 6 x Pycroft's Petrel

• 2 x Black-winged Petrel

• 36 x Black Petrel

• 8,100 x Buller's Shearwater

• 1,500 x Fluttering Shearwater

• 13 x Flesh-footed Shearwater

• 3 x White-faced Storm Petrel

• 20 x New Zealand Storm Petrel

• 2 x Wilson's Storm Petrel

• 2 x Common Diving Petrel

• 3 x Little Blue Penguin

• 48 x Grey Noddy

• 390 x Australasian Gannet

• 51 x White-fronted Tern

• 340 x Red-billed Gull

• 3 x Black-backed Gull

• 62 x Pied Shag

• 1 x Little Black Shag

Other marine life encountered:

• 1 x Hammerhead Shark

• 1 x NZ Fur Seal

• 5 x Flying Fish