The New Zealand Falcon is one of the three native birds of prey on these islands. Here are some fun facts about this fast flying hunter. The birds of New Zealand are probably the most iconic and well known aspect of the natural world of…
Category: New Zealand Nature
New Zealand’s 10 tree ferns can be found throughout the country. This guide has general information about tree ferns and lists 4 common ones. As I’ve talked about again and again, the natural world of New Zealand is incredibly unique. In fact, about 80% of…
The history of stoats and rabbits in New Zealand is a great example of what happens when species are introduced to islands. Read the sad, instructional tale here. The wildlife of New Zealand thrived in the absence of people for millions upon millions of years.…
New Zealand’s land cover has changed heaps since people arrived to these islands. The place that those first settlers saw and what we see today is very different. Prior to the arrival of people the islands of New Zealand were heavily forested. The wildlife of…
The bellbird is an endemic bird to New Zealand whose calls are quite pleasing to hear. Here are 7 facts about this bird. I live in the Taranaki area of New Zealand and as such I am not as familiar with these birds as with…
People introduced species to New Zealand for many different reasons. Here are 5 reasons that New Zealand is now home to so many introduced species. The islands of New Zealand have been separated from other land for about 65 million years! Over that long time…
Spinifex and pingao are both types of native grasses that grow in coastal dune areas of New Zealand. Here are similarities and 2 tips to tell if you are looking at spinifex or pingao. New Zealand has kilometer after kilometer of beautiful coastline. Some of…
There are actually some yellow pohutukawa trees in New Zealand. These are a kind of subspecies that can be seen in some areas of the country. The pohutukawa tree is one of the iconic trees of the coastal areas of the north island of New…
You are likely to see these common New Zealand forest birds the next time you go tramping in a forest. Here are photos and information about these common birds. The islands that eventually became the country of New Zealand became isolated from other land masses…
The monarch butterfly is one of only about 70 butterflies in New Zealand. Here are 7 facts about these native butterflies that only arrived recently. The other day when I got back home and stepped out of my van I saw a super cool sight.…