New Zealand Plants and Wildlife
New Zealand Native Plants
Nearly 75 percent of all the plants you see in New Zealand are not found anywhere else. New Zealand has 112 native forest-tree species, including the towering kauri. You'll find remnants of these magnificent trees in the Waipoua Forest and Trounson Park in Northland. The biggest of all is Tane Mahuta (King of the Forest) in Waipoua – one of the world's oldest and largest trees.
The pohutukawa is one of New Zealand's best-loved natives, and clings precariously to rocky coastal cliffs from the East Cape to the Far North. It's sometimes known as the New Zealand Christmas tree because its striking crimson flowers burst into bloom around December. If you're visiting Auckland, be sure to catch the ferry across to Rangitoto Island. This bush-clad volcanic island is home to the world's largest pohutukawa forest, and also boasts a unique scoria landscape.
Nature lovers will also find some magnificent native podocarp forest – especially around Fiordland and the Catlins in the southern part of the South Island. Be sure to enjoy our beautiful native bush on one of the many hiking trails.
New Zealand Native Wildlife
About 70 million years ago, the landmass we call Aotearoa New Zealand drifted apart from its neighbours. Because there were no predators on board, New Zealand now boasts some of the world's most unique bird and animal species. The most famous would have to be our namesake, the kiwi. This flightless, nocturnal bird has its nostrils at the tip of its 25cm beak, and is fiercely territorial. One of the best places to see a kiwi in the wild is Stewart Island. This small island off the tail of the South Island is a haven for native wildlife, and little brown kiwis can often be seen foraging for food on the beaches. You’ll also see the tui, with its distinctive white bobble, and the glossy green, grey and white kerereu (native wood pigeon) as you explore our native bush.
If you're exploring in the South Island's alpine and mountain regions, you'll no doubt have an encounter with the mischievous native parrot, the kea. These cheeky birds have been known to inflict damage on parked cars, so take care! On the rugged west coast, near Haast, you’ll find the only breeding colony of the rare kotuku (white heron) at Okarito.
One of the natural highlights for visitors is Dunedin's Otago Peninsula. Stretching down the southern edge of Otago Harbour, the peninsula is an easy drive from the central city, and home to some of New Zealand's most diverse native wildlife. There are some great guided tours and cruises that will take you up close and personal to this wonderful wildlife, which includes the rare yellow-eyed penguin (hoiho), native fur seals, sealions, dolphins and the world's only mainland breeding colony of royal albatross.
Nature lovers can see thriving gannet colonies west of Auckland at Muriwai Beach and, also at Cape Kidnappers in the Hawke's Bay, which is home to the world’s largest mainland colony. These graceful flyers can only be viewed during the summer months, when they come to nest and raise their young. 
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