Wandering Albatross

Diomedea exulans is a giant albatross visiting New Zealand waters from distant breeding islands. It differs from royal albatrosses through adult plumage patterns and diagnostic dark cutting edges on the bill. Older adults become mostly white with long narrow wings and a large pale pink bill. Younger birds retain extensive dark brown on the body and wings.

It breeds on subantarctic islands outside the New Zealand region and forages widely across the Southern Ocean. Birds occur off eastern and southern New Zealand, especially near productive ocean fronts. It uses dynamic soaring to cover vast distances while seeking squid, fish and carrion. Birds may follow fishing vessels and feed at the surface.

The New Zealand classification is Migrant. Kaikōura pelagic trips provide the most accessible chance, particularly in cooler months.