Capture the nature experience of a lifetime with DelNature Eco Tours! Our staff leaders coordinate with top notch travel agencies and naturalists. Learn more and book your eco tour.
New Zealand Eco Tour
Discover the Changing Landscape of Aotearoa
Above: Queenstown cityscape
Wednesday, October 22 2026 – Tuesday, November 11, 2026
Led by Sally O’Byrne
Aotearoa (New Zealand) is an island which is quite distant from any other landmass, so it has quite a low natural diversity with no native mammals other than bats. Its geology is very complex and volcanism plays a major role in the character of the land. Land clearing and changes to the landscape have happened since the Māori’s arrival circa 1300. Europeans expanded land clearance and introduced many animals and plants. Sheep and cattle grazing, dairy, and forestry have all impacted the landscape. Between the clearing and exotic introductions, large scale extinction of native fauna and flora took place. In recent years, there has been great recognition of this loss. Efforts to restore native bush, remove exotic mammals, and reestablish native birds have happened throughout New Zealand. Discover New Zealand’s changing landscapes on this 21-day immersive eco-tour led by Sally O’Byrne and a New Zealand guide. From dramatic coastlines and volcanic mountains to native forests and bird sanctuaries, experience the country’s unique wildlife, Māori heritage, and conservation efforts to restore native species. Highlights include visiting penguin and albatross colonies, exploring historic towns, hiking scenic trails, stargazing in a Dark Sky Reserve, and meeting local guides who share the stories behind Aotearoa’s natural and cultural treasures.
Highlights
- Seek out some of New Zealand’s unique birds like the Yellow-eyed and Little Penguin, Royal Albatross, Australasian Gannet, Westland Petrel, Bar-tailed Godwit, and Wrybill — not to mention a few endemics in the parrot family like the Kea and Kaka.
- Learn about the country’s rich Māori culture, as well as colonial history, at New Zealand’s Te Papa Museum, Ōtautahi Christchurch, historic mining towns, and the geothermal wonderland in and around Rotorua.
- Explore Pūkorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre, the National Kiwi Hatchery, and Kāpiti Island Nature Reserve to learn about the important conservation efforts underway to preserve the flora and fauna of New Zealand.
- Embark on two of the world’s most beautiful and scenic journeys: the iconic ferry ride from Picton to Wellington that cruises across the Cook Strait and the breathtaking TranzAlpine train ride that crosses the South Island from coast-to-coast.
- Sample local wines, produce, and olive oil in the vineyards of New Zealand’s famed Marlborough region.
Ecuador Eco Tour
Birding the Chocó-Andes
Above: Glistening-green Tanager
Tuesday, December 1, 2026 – Thursday, December 10, 2026
Led by Judy Montgomery
An extraordinary abundance of bird life inhabits the forests of northwestern Ecuador. Amid cloud forest, rainforest, páramo, and the eastern and western slopes of the Andes Mountains, you’ll seek out as many of the country’s 1,640-plus species as possible with assistance from your expert Ecuadorian birding guide on this 10-day adventure with Delaware Nature Society. In particular, much of the avifauna you’ll encounter is endemic to the Chocó region, while other species are more easily found here than any place else.
Highlights
- Explore the Chocó ecoregion across a variety of protected areas, including Alambi Cloud Forest Reserve, Milpe Bird Sanctuary, Antisana Ecological Reserve, Rio Silanche, and others.
- Visit the famed Refugio Paz de las Aves, known as a haven for antpittas and Andean Cocks-of-the-rock.
- Take in Yanacocha Biological Reserve, a protected area established to safeguard the critically endangered and endemic Black-breasted Puffleg, the official emblematic bird of Quito.
- Bird the Mashpi-Amagusa Reserve for target species like the Rose-faced Parrot, Orange-breasted Fruiteater, Chocó Vireo, Moss-backed Tanager, and Indigo Flowerpiercer.
Past Eco Tours
Check out some of our past Eco Tours: