Best of 2024
THE PETREL STATION SEABIRD TOURS 2024
51 SEABIRD SPECIES --> 2,100,000 SEABIRDS --> 41 TOURS !!
2024 has been another outstanding year of stunning seabird experiences out at The Petrel Station (offshore from Tutukaka, Northland, New Zealand). So here's a collection of some of my favourite moments captured during the year, and some fascinating stats as well.
Highlight stats for 2024:
51 --> Total seabird species recorded in 2024
2,100,000 --> Approx total seabirds recorded in 2024!
205,000 --> Seabirds seen on a single tour (included a huge feeding frenzy workup of 185,000 seabirds)!
1 --> New seabird species for The Petrel Station in 2024 (Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross)
41 --> Number of tours that went out in 2024 (30% more than last year :)
31 --> Number of countries people came from who've joined the seabird tours
For seabird species breakdowns in 2024 we had:
10 Albatross species
16 Petrel species (inc Stormies)
8 Shearwater species
17 other seabird species (inc Prions, Skuas, Terns, Gannet, Gulls, Shags and Penguin).
We've now recorded 69 seabird species on the tours since they began (of which 52 of them are Procellariiformes / tubenose species) which really highlights this area as one of the world's most diverse seabird locations. And with all the tours going out I'm very excited that we're building up some detailed at-sea data, quantities and seasonal patterns for the seabirds species that are present off our coast.
We've also recorded a great mix of other stunning marine life including Whales, Pilot Whales, Dolphins, Orca, NZ Fur Seals, Manta Ray, Leatherback Turtle, Marlin, Blue and Yellow-fin Tuna, 4 Shark species, Sunfish, Flying Fish and huge schools of Trevally and Slimy Mackerel.
Thanks a lot to everyone who has come out on The Petrel Station seabird tours this year - it's always a pleasure having you onboard and getting to share this very special unique seabird experience with so many enthusiast and friendly people. This year has seen a big increase in the number of international people coming on the seabird tours with approx 50% of bookings now from overseas. Many are finding us through The Petrel Station website ( www.thepetrelstation.nz ), but also from the people coming out and enjoying their tour with us and then heading home and telling others which is definitely helping spread the word about The Petrel Station tours globally, which I really appreciate :)
Also a special thanks go to a few key people. Firstly is my very good friend and fellow bird guide Gary Setterfield who is a crucial member of The Petrel Station crew on many levels, but most noticeably to others on the seabird tours is Gary's exceptional spotting skills when we're out amongst the seabirds! He's also quite amusing and entertaining too 🙂. Also a big thanks to our outstanding skipper Luke who's an all round great guy, super knowledgeable of all things marine related, and keeps us safe on our seabirding adventures. Thanks also to all the NZ regulars who come out on multiple seabird tours each year - always fun having you onboard and you're an awesome bunch of friends now :). And then of course my lovely wife Helga who makes the delectable Ginger Crunch that I bring along on every tour (if you've been out you'll know how delicious it is :)
If you’re interested in coming out on a pelagic seabird tour to The Petrel Station then check out the upcoming tour dates for all of 2025 on our website and get in touch – it’s always a great day out :) And the best way to experience these seabirds is out on the ocean, in their world :)
Have a great festive season everyone, and can't wait to kick off another great year of incredible pelagic seabird tours and experiences in 2025 🙂
Cheers Scott
The Petrel Station pelagic seabird tours - Tutukaka, New Zealand
