New Zealand boasts an increasing number of eco lodges and a network of excursions orientated towards the natural environment. The people are passionate about their country's natural features. For generations New Zealanders have marvelled at the diversity of plant and animal life, the landscapes and rugged coasts.

Swim with the dolphins, watch whales in their natural habitat, see the nocturnal kiwi forage on the forest floor . . . New Zealand has been separated from the rest of the world for more than 100 million years. As a result, many ancient plants and animals have evolved and survived in isolation. In New Zealand you will see animals and plants that exist nowhere else in the world.

Flora and fauna flourish in New Zealand's temperate climate and unpolluted air and waters. The country is home to a number of unique species - the kiwi, the mountain parrot kea, the flightless parrot kakapo. The tuatara is an ancient reptile from before the time of the dinosaurs, which is still alive today!

The long, indented coastline is an ideal home for numerous species of sea bird including the huge royal albatross, gannets and many varieties of penguin. The waters off the coast are home to a diverse range of unique species readily accessible from the coastline.

Visitors can easily access large seal colonies, the only royal albatross colony on a mainland, gannet colonies and rare penguins.

Some 25% of New Zealand is protected and the land is criss-crossed with a network of walking tracks. Twelve national parks are sprinkled throughout the country - including five World Heritage sites.