Mark Carwardine: Putting NZ on the wildlife tourism map

British conservationist, photographer and presenter, Mark Carwardine, is once again in New Zealand undertaking a whistle-stop tour of some of the best wildlife attractions the country has to offer.

Well-known for inspiring the sexual advances of another conservation hero - Sirocco the Kakapo - Carwardine is here to put New Zealand on the map as a wildlife destination for tourists coming from the UK.

"People in the UK see New Zealand as a great place for tramping or adventure-sports, but many are unaware of it's potential as a place to experience some of the world's most unique and interesting species," says Carwardine.

His visit will highlight our 'Small 5' (as opposed to Africa's 'Big 5') - species that tourists can expect to see on a two-week visit - Hector's dolphins, tuatara, kiwi, kea and yellow-eyed penguins/hoiho.

Mark Carwardine's trip to and around New Zealand comes courtesy of Tourism New Zealand and Discover the World, with the support of a number of regional and local tourism operators.

"New Zealand's wildlife and nature experiences contribute to the foundation of our strong international brand positioning," says Tourism New Zealand's Catherine Bates GM Brand and International PR.

"Having Mark will help to showcase how easily people can interact with our stunning natural environment."

Carwardine's tour starts by looking at tuatara on Tiritiri Matangi Island, out in the Hauraki Gulf followed by Muriwai Gannet Colony and then drops down to the South Island where he visits Hector's dolphins in Akaroa, kea in Arthur's Pass, Fiordland crested penguins at Lake Moeraki, kiwi on Stewart Island and yellow-eyed penguins near Dunedin.