The mountainous terrain of New Zealand is home to over 3,000 glaciers. Here are 6 well known glaciers that you should visit today! All but 18 of the glaciers are located on the South Island (although only 6 of those 18 are larger than 1…
Category: New Zealand Nature
The Wheki tree fern is one of the most common and abundant tree ferns in New Zealand. Here are 2 tips to help identify this endemic New Zealand plant. I love going for a walk in the native forests of New Zealand. As a friend…
New Zealand’s geckos comprise a unique and special group of animals. Here are 8 cool facts about these cute, elusive, and seldom seen animals. Before moving to New Zealand I didn’t know much about the natural world here. I had heard stories of beautiful landscapes,…
The country of New Zealand has both glaciers and sub-tropical beaches. Unfortunately, like other parts of the world, our glaciers are shrinking. New Zealand is such an amazing country. It’s full of breathtaking beaches that are perfect for swimming and surfing. But, there are also…
Introduced species can be a serious problem anywhere, but especially on islands. Here is a definition of introduced species, and why they can be problematic. I have lived in various parts of the USA, Madagascar, and now New Zealand. It seems like everywhere I’ve lived…
Supplejack is a vine that grows throughout the lowland, coastal forest of New Zealand. Here are 9 twisty facts about this common native plant. A friend of mine once told me something that I think nicely sums up this native vine. Supplejack is everywhere when…
These common epiphytes of New Zealand can be found on trees, boulders, or cliffs. Here are some basic facts about 5 epiphytes to help you identify them. New Zealand’s native forests, both the podocarp/broadleaf forests and the beech forests, are full of life. The trees…
New Zealand’s 3 native gulls can be found all across the country in differing frequencies. These are the only native gulls that breed in New Zealand. I am fortunate enough to live close to the beautiful beaches of Taranaki on the North Island. Any time…
New Zealand is home to a few prickly plants that you need to be careful of when you are out in nature. Here are 3 plants that can cause some serious pain. For the most part I feel like I’m in a safe, fun place…
The Native ‘K’ birds of New Zealand are pretty amazing. Here are 6 native birds of New Zealand that start with the letter K, including kiwi and kokako. New Zealand has and had some pretty unique and amazing birds. Since these islands were isolated for…