The Petrel Station’s 2026 summer seabird tours have kicked off with a record-breaking result, with the first tour of the season recording the highest number of birds ever seen on a summer trip.

Offshore from Tutukaka, the team recorded just under 82,500 seabirds across 21 species, including flocks of Cook’s Petrel regularly circling the boat and strong numbers of shearwaters ~ highlighting just how active these waters are during summer.

The tours are run by Scott Brooks, Gary Setterfield, and skipper Luke Nobilo, a small, highly experienced team combining seabird knowledge, long-term observation, and extensive time at sea. Operating since 2017, The Petrel Station blends full-day pelagic seabird tours with ongoing at-sea research.

Spending 9–10 hours on the water, these tours are popular with photographers, birders, and nature lovers, with seabirds often coming within metres of the boat and clear viewing all around the deck. From large albatross to tiny storm-petrels, the variety is a key part of the experience.

With summer tour dates already filling, this season is shaping up to be a busy one.

👉 View upcoming summer tours:
https://www.thepetrelstation.nz/upcoming-trips