Southland Fire Museum

9 Best Trips for Unforgettable Wildlife Encounters Around the World, According to Travel Experts

"New Zealand is filled with unique creatures, like the prehistoric tuatara, an animal that looks like a lizard and is the closest relative to the dinosaur. Another rare species found here is the kea, the world's only alpine parrot. While the kea is easily seen in alpine areas — and the cheeky bird isn't afraid to say hello — the tuatara is trickier to spot. I suggest going to Southland Museum, where you can meet Henry, a tuatara who is over 110 years old, or spotting them in the wild on Tiritiri Matangi Island." - Travel + Leisure Editors