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.…
Tag: endemic
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
The Grey Warbler or Riroriro is an endemic New Zealand bird. Here are some fun facts about this tiny, common bird and tips on identifying it. The iconic wildlife of New Zealand includes the Kiwi, Tui, Kea, and Kereru among others. Those birds are truly…