A Nature Lover’s Paradise: New Zealand’s Flora & Fauna April 2nd, 2025 • by Bryan Haggerty A long, long time ago—about 80 million years—the islands that make up present-day New Zealand separated from the Gondwana supercontinent. That left the wildlife on board a few dozen millennia to do their own thing, resulting in an ecosystem like nowhere else in the world. That’s the main reason a New Zealand hiking tour feels so different, even from nearby Australia. Aussie wildlife includes unique marsupials like kangaroos, saltwater crocodiles, and some of the world’s deadliest snakes. Evolution in New Zealand took such a different tack, there are virtually no native land mammals, and no snakes at all. Before the arrival of humanity, birds ruled the roost. The sub-tropical splendor of New Zealand should appeal to anyone who likes being outside, but there’s an added thrill for birders and wildlife enthusiasts. On our New Zealand Alpine & Coastal trip, you will traverse many diverse landscapes where unique and interesting wildlife call home. The flora and fauna truly make it a nature lover’s paradise. Native New Zealand Wildlife Synonymous with New Zealand is the kiwi bird—so much so that the people living there are proudly called Kiwis. This small, flightless, nocturnal bird is one of the most iconic symbols of the country and is found nowhere else on Earth. But the kiwi is just one of many fascinating species unique to Aotearoa. Kea: A clever and curious alpine parrot known for its bold personality and mischief-making. Found only in New Zealand’s South Island, it’s the world’s only alpine parrot. Kakapo: Weighing in at 8–9 pounds, the kakapo is the world’s heaviest parrot (for comparison, male golden eagles typically weigh 6–10 lbs). Habitat loss and introduced predators nearly wiped them out. Flightless and nocturnal, the kakapo is now one of the most intensively managed species in the world, with only a few hundred left. Tuatara: Often called the “tuatara lizard,” this creature isn’t a lizard at all. It’s the only surviving member of the ancient Rhynchocephalia order—a true living fossil whose ancestors walked with dinosaurs. New Zealand penguins: Several penguin species frolic and swim along the shores and seas surrounding New Zealand. Among them are the little blue penguin and the yellow-eyed penguin (hoiho), one of the rarest penguins in the world. Pekapeka (native bats): New Zealand’s only native land mammals are two species of bat. Small, elusive, and protected, they’re rarely seen but play an important role in the ecosystem. Wildlife You Won’t See in New Zealand After reading about wildlife unique to New Zealand, you may be wondering: are there kangaroos in New Zealand? Unless you’re at a zoo, the answer is a resounding no—kangaroos are native to Australia, not New Zealand. In fact, many animals you might expect to see in a country with such rich natural beauty are completely absent. For example: No snakes: New Zealand has no native snake species and enforces strict biosecurity to keep it that way. No large land predators: Before human arrival, New Zealand had no native land mammals apart from bats. This allowed many birds to evolve without the need to fly, making them vulnerable to predators introduced later. No monkeys, big cats, or bears: Unlike other parts of the world, New Zealand’s forests are free from large mammals and predatory animals. This absence of common global fauna makes New Zealand’s wildlife even more special—and incredibly important to protect. The Best Places to See New Zealand’s Wildlife Abel Tasman National Park Abel Tasman National Park is a wilderness reserve at the north end of New Zealand’s South Island. It is 87 square miles of sheer beauty, founded through the efforts of ornithologist Perrine Moncrieff. The park is known for the Abel Tasman Coast Track, which the Department of Conservation declared one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. Pods of common dolphins are regular visitors to the warm waters along the Abel Tasman in the summer months. They head further offshore in the winter. It is worth it to bring along a birding checklist to Abel Tasman as you will witness rare birds amongst the lush vegetation and dramatic landscapes that make up this region. Commonly mistaken for the kiwi, the weka are flightless birds found in the park. These brown birds have quite a humorous way of walking with their heads bobbing forward as they go. The shags (cormorants) can be found along the beaches and rocky shore of the park. These birds are often mistaken for penguins. Fantails are another bird found in the park. They have a unique call and are easily recognized by their long tail which opens to look like a fan. Arthur’s Pass National Park Arthur’s Pass National Park is divided by the main divide of the South Island. On the eastern side, you’ll find beech forests and wide river beds. In contrast, the western side has lush dense rainforest. The kea parrot can be found in this region. It is the world’s only alpine parrot and is a protected species, with fewer than 7,000 remaining in the wild. Lake Moeraki Lake Moeraki is home to the tawaki penguin (Fiordland crested penguin), one of the rarest penguin species in the world. This region is known for superlative landscapes and rare wildlife. Lake Moeraki is set within a protected rainforest in the mountainous Southern Alps. The tawaki penguins prefer to nest in caves, rock crevasses, and under tree logs. Much of the sea area they inhabit is hard to reach, so we are still learning about these rare birds. Guided tours to see the penguins are sometimes possible from the Lake Moeraki Wilderness Lodge. This stunning lodge is one of our hand-picked accommodations on our New Zealand adventure tours. Okarito Wetlands We couldn’t end a blog about the diverse and unique wildlife in New Zealand without mentioning the kiwi bird. The kiwi is so iconic its name became shorthand for “New Zealander.” Unlike some slang terms for different nationalities, “Kiwi” isn’t seen as offensive—most people on the island view the term as a point of pride. The Okarito kiwi is one of over 70 native birds that the Okarito wetlands support. There are not many left of these flightless birds. The kiwi may be the most famous New Zealand bird, but as fascinating as they are, kiwi is one species among many thanks to New Zealand’s impressive diversity. Birds occupy a place of honor in New Zealand, but they’re hardly the only animals of note. We haven’t yet touched on the wild dusky dolphin, fur seal, or other aquatic creatures—but of course, there’s no substitute for coming to see them yourself. Plan Your New Zealand Wildlife Adventure From kea to kiwis, penguins to pristine trails, New Zealand’s South Island is calling. Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime hiking adventure designed for nature lovers, birders, and curious travelers alike. Discover your next destination among our South Pacific tours.