New Zealand wildlife: What to expect and where to go wildlife spotting

Kiwi

The kiwi is the emblem of New Zealand. This nocturnal bird is shy and is under threat from many pests. The Department of Conservation (DOC) describes them as having have hair-like feathers, strong legs and no tail. They are related to emus and cassowaries (found in Australia). Kiwi can live for 25 to 50 years.

Where to see it?

You will rarely find kiwi in the wild because they are nocturnal. You might be able to see them in the wild on Stewart Island. On the North Island, your best chances are in the Northland, north of Whanganui National Park, and around Te Urewera National Park. On the South Island, you can try around Kahurangi National Park in the Tasman region, Fiordland, Victoria Forest Park and Arthur’s Pass.

Otherwise, your best bet is to visit a zoo (e.g. Auckland or Wellington) or an animal sanctuary. Pukaha National Wildlife Centre (Wellington region) is recommended by the DOC.

To learn more about where to find kiwi, and how to help with their conservation, visit Save the kiwi.

Did you know you’re more likely to hear a kiwi than see one? Listen out for the call of a male and the call of a female.

Takahe

The takahe measures 50 centimetres on average, has a red beak, and green and blue plumage. It is highly endangered. Its natural habitat is in the alpine meadows of Fiordland, but there are ongoing projects aiming to move them to islands away from predators to ensure their survival.

Where to see it?

Seeing them in the wild is very rare. You are better to go to the Pukaha National Wildlife Centre on the North Island or the Te Anau Wildlife Centre on the South Island.

Kakapo

Credit: Mnolf/Wikimedia commons

The kakapo is the only parrot in the world that cannot fly. It is one of the most endangered birds in New Zealand. The kakapo is nocturnal and is also the largest parrot in the world, reaching up to 60 cm in height as an adult, and weighing between three and four kilos.

Due to the many efforts made to protect this animal by establishing it on islands where there are no predators, the kakapo population has increased over the years (you can find a list of all these animals on Wikipedia).

Where to see it?

As this bird is highly protected, it is not exposed to the general public and its natural habitat is not accessible. It is sometimes possible to see kakapo on guided tours by volunteering with the DOC during breeding season. However, it is not guranteed to get a spot; they only offer up to 200 volunteering positions, and some breeding seasons they do not offer the full 200 spots.

Meet Sirocco, the official spokesbird for the DOC:

Penguins

There are three types of penguins found in New Zealand.

Yellow-eyed penguin

This small penguin is recognisable by the colour of the strip that covers its eyes and the top of its head with yellow fur. It is only found in New Zealand and is one of the rarest penguins in the world. The yellow-eyed penguin lives in forests, sand dunes or in vegetation near beaches. As an adult, it measures about 65 cm and weighs up to 5.5 kilos. It is a shy bird.

Where to see it?

You can see them in the wild in the southwest of the South Island, or on Stewart Island. Some top spots to find the yellow-eyed penguin:

• Bushy Beach in Oamaru (via Bushy Beach Road, southeast of town), where there is a good lookout point.
• Katiki Point in Moeraki. Follow the lighthouse road down to the end of the road. You can also take the opportunity to see the Moeraki Boulders while in Moeraki!
• Shag Point is 50 km from Oamaru, near Palmerston.
• Sandfly Bay on the Otago Peninsula, east of Dunedin.
• Nugget Point, south of Balclutha.

Go around dawn, when the penguins are heading out to sea for the day, or at dusk, when the penguins come back to land to their nests. Follow the safety instructions from the DOC, which usually direct you to observation points off the beach.

These penguins will probably refuse to come out of the water if humans are near them. By placing yourself on the beach, you are also endangering the nests and the baby penguins. Equip yourself with binoculars or a zoom lens camera and you will still get fantastic views of the penguins, without getting in their way.

Little blue penguin

These little penguins are among the smallest in the world, with an average adult size of just 25 centimetres. They are found in New Zealand and Australia.

Where to see it?

You’ll find the little blue penguin in the Marlborough Sounds, Akaroa, Oamaru, Dunedin and Stewart Island.

Similar to the yellow-eyed penguin, make sure you follow signage to appropriate viewing areas and keep your distance from the penguins. Penguins that are too stressed by human presence to return to their nest often return to the sea, or try to nest in inappropriate places where they may face predators.

Remember to be patient. Many people give up and miss the penguins coming in—wait for the entirety of sunrise/sunset if you can, and you will increase the chances of seeing a penguin going out or coming home from the ocean.

If you want to guarantee a sighting, you can pay for either the daytime or evening viewing at the Oamaru blue penguin colony.

Fiordland crested penguin

The Fiordland crested penguin is one of the rarest of New Zealand’s penguins. The current population is thought to be around 3,000 breeding pairs, and has been declining since the 1950s.

Where to see it?

The DOC recommends trying to find them at Munro Beach, near Lake Moeraki (30 km north of Haast). You can take a guided tour from the Lake Moeraki Wilderness Lodge. They can also be found in Milford Sound, and at Jackson Bay.