New Zealand’s native rata and pohutukawa trees can be found across the country. Here are 3 tips to help you tell apart these common trees. When I first moved to New Zealand 5 years ago I was overwhelmed with the sheer beauty of the country.…
Category: New Zealand Nature
The Whio or Blue Duck is one of New Zealand’s fascinating endemic birds. Here are 6 facts about this bird that can only be found in rivers or streams. New Zealand’s most iconic bird may be the kiwi, but the country is full of many…
New Zealand’s money is not only colourful, but it’s full of images of the iconic plants, animals, and fungi of the country. Here are the main endemic species on New Zealand’s money. I love living in New Zealand for a lot of reasons – beautiful…
This tree fern guide will help you to quickly and easily identify New Zealand’s tree ferns. Glancing at this guide will help you identify mamaku, ponga, wheki and more tree ferns. A US friend of mine that spent many months traveling in New Zealand remarked…
Scale insects form the basis of an ecosystem in the native beech forests of New Zealand. Here is an explanation of this ecosystem and how introduced wasps are changing it. This sounds like it could be the title of some horror movie – scale insects,…
Sandfly bites can be super, super annoying and even quite painful. Here are the ultimate tips to prevent sandfly bites when exploring New Zealand. In New Zealand sandflies are simply part of life if you enjoy exploring the great outdoors. Similar to most amazing natural…
New Zealand is home to beaches, volcanoes, and endemic wildlife, including birds. Here are 3 penguins that live and breed on the main islands of New Zealand. The more I learn about the natural world of New Zealand, the more I’m amazed by it. I’ve…
New Zealand was the last large landmass to be settled by people about 750 years ago! Since that time people have radically changed the natural world of these islands. I feel so lucky to be living in New Zealand. This country is absolutely beautiful with…
Flax is an endemic plant of New Zealand that is common throughout the country. Here are 7 facts about this plant that is important for people and animals. Flax is one of those features of the New Zealand landscape that is ubiquitous. You can see…
Puawhananga or bush clematis is a beautiful splash of white flowers in the green forests of New Zealand in the spring. Here are some cool facts about this common spring flower. I spent many years living in the Rocky Mountains of the USA where spring…