Is that tree a Miro or matai? These two native New Zealand trees are similar looking, but here are some tips to help you tell them apart. New Zealand is home to a diverse and varied ecosystem. There are beautiful beaches, volcanoes, lakes, and a…
Tag: native
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…
I am excited to announce the release of my book, The Real Guide to New Zealand: the Unique Nature of Aotearoa. The book was officially released on 10 November 2022. We are so lucky to live in such a special part of the world here…
The New Zealand mountain cedar or pahautea is a stunning native tree. Here are 5 facts about this lovely, sometimes gnarled native tree. This tree is a type of cedar and can be recognised as such by looking at the ‘leaves’, which have that distinctive…
Predator-Free New Zealand is a topic that most New Zealanders are familiar with. Here is the story of how and why we got here. To the casual visitor New Zealand is an idyllic paradise with rugged coastline, beautiful beaches, tall mountains and volcanoes. However, a…
New Zealand’s fungi come in a dazzling array of colours and forms. Here are some of the more remarkable and colourful fungi. There is nothing I enjoy more than spending a day walking outdoors. The world above treeline always feels like a magical place to…
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…
Kiekie is one of the common plants found in native bush across New Zealand and a taonga species. Here are 5 facts about this endemic vine. The native podocarp/broadleaf forest of New Zealand appears to be a tangled mass of green, which it is. But,…
New Zealand’s weka is a curious bird that can be seen across the country. Here are 7 facts to reveal more about this native bird. The first time I saw a weka I was pretty excited. We were at some roadside attraction on the South…
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…