New Zealand Wildlife
Discover the unique and fascinating animals that call Aotearoa home. From flightless birds to living fossils, New Zealand's wildlife is unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Discover the unique and fascinating animals that call Aotearoa home. From flightless birds to living fossils, New Zealand's wildlife is unlike anywhere else on Earth.
The Kiwi is New Zealand's national symbol. This flightless bird is nocturnal and has feathers like hair. It has no tail and tiny wings, but an amazing sense of smell. Kiwis are rare and endangered, with conservation efforts ongoing.
The world's only flightless parrot. Kakapos are large green parrots that smell like flowers and honey. They're critically endangered with only about 200 left and can live 90+ years.
The rarest penguin species in the world. These penguins have distinctive yellow eyes and a yellow band around their head. They live on New Zealand's south coast and are excellent swimmers.
The world's only alpine parrot. Keas are highly intelligent and curious birds that live in the mountains. They're known for their playful and mischievous behavior around humans.
These shellfish burrow in sandy beaches and are an important traditional food source in Mฤori culture. They can be found at low tide on New Zealand beaches.
Giant prehistoric-looking insects. Some Wetas are heavier than mice and can be quite large. These remarkable insects are endemic to New Zealand.