iNaturalist is a great, free tool to help you identify unknown plants or animals. This post explains what it is and how to use it. I love exploring New Zealand, especially visiting a new area I haven’t been to before and finding new species. The…
Tag: animals
Here are 4 common New Zealand cicadas that you may see and likely hear during summer. These are just a few of the more than 40 species of cicada in the country. Well, we are at that time of year again when the bush is…
New Zealand is home to some incredibly long living species. Here are 6 New Zealand long living species, and a possible explanation for why they live so long. The more I learn about the marvels of the natural world of Aotearoa, the more I am…
These 7 weta facts highlight these truly iconic New Zealand species. They may not be as well known as kiwi, but they are unique to the country. New Zealand is such an amazing place to live. The landscape is truly breathtaking with heaps of beautiful…
These endemic New Zealand birds are truly special and deserve some attention during whio awareness month. Here are 5 places to see whio in their natural setting. New Zealand has so many special birds – from the iconic kiwi to kea and tiny rifleman. I…
New Zealand Sea Lions can be found along the coasts of the southern part of the South Island. Here are 10 facts about these native marine mammals. Prior to the arrival of people to these amazing islands, there were many types of large animals such…
Can you tell if you are looking at a fur seal or a sea lion? Here are 3 simple tips to help you tell apart these two native New Zealand marine mammals. New Zealand may not have many native land mammals (in fact only 2…
New Zealand’s native frogs are a small group of rare animals that few people ever see. Here are 5 facts about these unique amphibians. In the five years I’ve spent wandering around New Zealand I’ve only seen a frog once. My only frog sighting was…
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 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,…