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

Tuatara

The tuatara is a rare reptile and is not, despite appearances, a lizard (though it is a close relative). It is one of few surviving species who were alive at the time of the dinosaurs. They can live up to 60 years on average, with some making it to over 100 years. They are NZ’s largest reptile. Males are generally larger than females (80 cm compared to 45 cm). Their eyes are independent of each other and they even have a sort of third eye. Researchers have difficulty agreeing on its usefulness.

Where to see it?

Unfortunately, it is unlikely that you will come across them in the wild; they mostly live in islands off NZ now.

However, in October 2012, the DOC arranged for the relocation of 260 tuataras to four areas: on the North Island, Cape Kidnappers, Young Nick’s Head, Maungatautari; on the South Island, Orokonui.

An easy way to see a surviving tuatara is at Zealandia in Wellington. Zealandia is the world’s first fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary, aiming to restore the valley’s ecosystems to their pre-human state; it’s worth a visit to support this mission.

Glow worms

Glow worms are well-known for glowing in the dark. They are technically a larvae rather than a worm, and they can be found across both islands of NZ. They thrive in damp, overgrown places, and use their bioluminescence to attract prey.

Where to see it?

For the best glow worm sightings on the North Island, take the popular Waitomo Caves boat tour. Although it’s not mentioned as frequently in NZ guidebooks, you can take a very similar glow worm tour if you’re only visiting the South Island, at the Te Anau caves. Both will sail you into a beautiful glow worm grotto.

You can find glow worms without having to pay for a guided tour (but the boat tours are worth the money!). Just look for places such as caves, forests or overgrown riverbanks. Even in the cities, you can find them, for example in the Wellington Botanic Gardens.

Weta

“Weta” is not just the name of the famous film workshop in Wellington; weta are actually a species of invertebrate in NZ, and are sadly endangered. They existed at the time of the dinosaurs and have evolved over time into more than 100 different species (all native to NZ).

Where to see it?

Sightings of weta in the wild have happened in the bush on both islands, and have even been reported in big cities like Wellington or Auckland.

For an easier time meeting this unique creepy-crawly, you can find them in the aforementioned Wellington Zoo, Auckland Zoo, or the giant weta attraction at Pukaha National Wildlife Centre.