NZ wildlife to keep an eye out for on your travels

A New Zealand road trip is more than just beautiful landscapes and picturesque townships. It’s also an opportunity to meet some colourful characters. We’re not talking about the people though, but the birds, fish, insects, and animals that call Aotearoa home. From the clever antics of the South Island kea to the dazzling displays of our native glowworms, NZ’s native animals are a fascinating bunch. And there’s really no better way to learn about and see them than to book a campervan hire and take a road trip. In this blog, we’ll share where and how you see wildlife on your New Zealand travels. 

What kind of wildlife is found in NZ

New Zealand is a haven for unique and diverse wildlife, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. From the iconic kiwi, our national symbol, to the ancient tuatara, a reptile that dates back to the time of the dinosaurs. 

Bird enthusiasts are likely to spot the melodious tūī bird, the majestic kererū, and the distinctive pūkeko bird all over New Zealand. While others such as the cheeky kea prefer the alpine climate of the South Island. 

Coastal regions offer a chance to witness blue penguins waddling about in their natural habitat. A cruise out on the ocean might reward you with a memorable whale-watching experience in places like Kaikōura. The country's lush forests and hidden caves are also home to mesmerising glow worms, lighting up the darkness with their bioluminescent glow. Every corner of New Zealand offers a glimpse into a rich tapestry of wildlife, making it a dream destination for nature lovers.

Does NZ have any dangerous wildlife

Unlike our Aussie friends across the ditch, New Zealand is free from snakes and other dangerous critters. It's one of the many reasons travellers feel at ease while exploring our beautiful landscapes in their campervan hire.

The only two venomous spiders we have are the redback and the katipo spider. But don’t worry too much, they’re rarely spotted – in fact, most New Zealanders have never seen one. New Zealand is also home to the white-tailed spider, which is known to bite, but its venom is regarded as harmless.

While they might not pose a direct threat to humans, introduced species can be harmful to our native wildlife. For instance, possums, introduced to New Zealand in the 19th century, have become a significant threat to native bird populations. This is because they prey on eggs, chicks, and adult birds. Similarly, domestic and feral cats have been known to prey on native birds in NZ, reducing their numbers and affecting the ecosystem. It's essential to be mindful of these impacts as we enjoy our New Zealand travel and do our part to protect the native species.

Respecting the NZ wildlife

Here at Apollo campervan hire, the protection and preservation of our NZ native animals is a matter we hold close to our hearts. As you journey through the country, you'll likely come across areas specifically protected for nesting and other conservation efforts. While the allure of our wildlife is undeniable, it's crucial to remember to observe from a distance and not approach these creatures. This ensures their safety and allows them to thrive in their natural habitats.

There are, however, many dedicated bird watching sanctuaries and conservation areas. These provide a great opportunity to park up your camper and get close to our wildlife under guided supervision. As travellers, it's our collective responsibility to keep New Zealand pristine. This means disposing of rubbish responsibly, using designated toilets, and ensuring that waste from your motorhome is disposed of at proper dumpsites.

Lastly, we urge all visitors to embrace the Tiaki Promise. This commitment signifies a pledge to care for New Zealand, acting as guardians for both the present and future generations. The Tiaki Promise encompasses several principles: caring for the land, sea, and nature, travelling safely, and showing respect for the culture with an open heart and mind. By adhering to this promise, we can ensure that the beauty and diversity of New Zealand remain intact for years to come.

Image: Tourism New Zealand

Wildlife to see on your travels around NZ

Here are some of the special animals, insects, and marine life you may be lucky enough to encounter on your New Zealand road trip.

Glow worms

Glow worms are fascinating creatures that emit a soft, bioluminescent light. This unique ability to glow is a result of a chemical reaction within the worm, primarily used to attract prey into their sticky threads. Essentially, the light acts as a lure, drawing in insects that become trapped and serve as a meal for the glow worm.

While there are many spots around the country to see these tiny glowing creatures, you can’t go past the Waitomo Glowworm Caves NZ. Located in the Waitako region, the caves are a world-renowned New Zealand attraction. Visitors have the opportunity to explore the cave by foot before cruising on a gentle boat ride through the starry wonderland of the Glowworm Grotto.

Giant wētā/wētāpunga

The giant wētā, or wētāpunga, is unique to New Zealand. And it’s known as a ‘giant’ for good reason. The wētāpunga is the largest among New Zealand's giant wētā species, and when fully grown, they can weigh more than a mouse or even a sparrow. 

Originally found across Northland, Auckland, and Great Barrier Island, the wētāpunga species has faced challenges, with their only natural surviving habitat now being Hauturu-o-Toi/Little Barrier Island. This is due to habitat destruction and predation from introduced species. However, thanks to successful breeding and translocation projects, these magnificent creatures can also now be seen on Tiritiri Matangi and Motuora Islands.

For those keen to see the wētāpunga without venturing into the wild, both Auckland Zoo and Butterfly Creek in Auckland offer up-close encounters. 

Tuatara

Often referred to as a ‘living fossil’, the tuatara is a rare reptile and the only surviving member of the order Sphenodontia, which thrived during the age of the dinosaurs some 200 million years ago. Tuatara have a slow growth rate and can live up to 100 years. Their diet consists mainly of invertebrates, but they also consume lizards, seabird eggs, chicks, and occasionally their own young!

Originally widespread throughout New Zealand, wild tuatara populations are now primarily found on islands off the northern east coast of the North Island and some islands in the Marlborough Sounds. These islands are free from mammalian predators, ensuring the tuatara's survival. 

For those looking to see the tuatara up close on your road trip, Zealandia in Wellington offers a sanctuary for these ancient reptiles. Additionally, various zoos, including Auckland Zoo, have tuatara on display, providing an educational experience about their significance and conservation efforts.

Carnivorous snail

New Zealand boasts a diverse range of native land snails, and among the most distinctive are the Powelliphanta snails. Also known as ‘carnivorous snails’ – for obvious reasons! – this snail species is among the largest in the world. They can grow as big as a fist, with some species measuring about 9 cm across. Their shells are a sight to behold, coming in various colours and patterns.

These snails predominantly inhabit wet native forests and alpine tussock regions, especially in north-west Nelson and north Westland. They thrive in moist, high-altitude environments and are more active during the night or on rainy days.

Dolphins

New Zealand's waters are home to a variety of dolphin species, each with its own unique characteristics. Among these, the Hector's and Māui dolphins hold a special place due to their rarity and significance.

• Hector's Dolphin: Recognised by its distinct grey body and black markings, the Hector's dolphin is one of the smallest marine dolphins in the world. It's primarily found along the coasts of the South Island.

• Māui Dolphin: A subspecies of the Hector's dolphin, the Māui dolphin is critically endangered with only a few individuals left. They are mostly found off the west coast of the North Island.

The South Island coastal township of Kaikōura offers one of the most memorable experiences for dolphin enthusiasts. The region is known for its wild Dusky Dolphins, which are highly interactive and acrobatic. At Dolphin Encounter Kaikōura, visitors have the bucket-list opportunity to swim alongside these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. 

The experience is described as life-changing, with the open ocean setting and the playful nature of the Dusky Dolphins making it a must-do on any New Zealand travel itinerary. For those who prefer to stay dry, watching the dolphins from the comfort of a boat is equally mesmerising.

If you're planning a road trip in your campervan, a stop in Kaikōura to witness these graceful creatures in action is highly recommended. Remember to respect their space and follow guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both you and the dolphins.

Whales

While several whale species grace New Zealand's waters, the most commonly sighted ones include the sperm whale, Bryde's whale, and orca or killer whale. The waters around New Zealand are also frequented by blue whales, humpback whales, and southern right whales during their migration from June – October.  

The best way to see these magnificent creatures up close is to book a whale-watching tour:

• Whale Watching Kaikōura offers an unparalleled experience, allowing visitors to see giant sperm whales, which are year-round residents of the area. The tours provide a unique opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural environment, with the added bonus of breathtaking scenic views.

• The Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari offers an interactive whale and dolphin-watching experience right from downtown Auckland. The tour takes visitors on a journey through the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, where they can see whales, dolphins, seals, and rare seabirds. The safari emphasises conservation, with a portion of the ticket sales going towards marine conservation initiatives.

Seals

The New Zealand fur seal, known for its pointy nose, long whiskers, and visible ears, is a common sight along the country's rocky coastlines. These seals have a rich history in New Zealand, once being hunted for their luxurious fur coats. Fortunately, seal hunting was banned in 1894, allowing their populations to recover.

In the North Island, fur seals can be spotted at Cape Palliser, near Wellington, and at Castlepoint on the Wairarapa coast. In the South Island, you can park your campervan up at the Kaikōura Peninsula and take a walk at low tide to see the local fur seal colony. The Catlins Coast and Gillespies Beach near Haast are also great spots to see not just the fur seals but also Hooker’s sea lions, southern elephant seals, and leopard seals.

Safety Reminder: While it's tempting to get close to these adorable creatures, it's essential to keep a safe distance to ensure both your safety and theirs.

New Zealand birds

From friendly pīwakawaka /fantail following you through the bush, to the soothing sound of the ruru/morepork as you fall asleep, New Zealand’s birdlife is truly something special. 

With an abundance of native bush, lakes and rivers, and national parks, you don’t have to go too far to meet some of our special manu/birds. You may even be visited by a cheeky weka once you’re parked up at a campsite. These large flightless birds are very curious and often help themselves to lunch leftovers when no one is watching. So be sure to pack away food and dispose of unwanted food carefully. 

If you love bird watching, New Zealand is your oyster. You might like to add a bird sanctuary or two to your travel itinerary. Here are a few top spots around the country:

• Punanga Manu o Te Anau/Te Anau Bird Sanctuary

• Zealandia Eco Sanctuary, Wellington

• Orokonui Eco Sanctuary, Dunedin

• Maungatautari Ecological Island, Hamilton

• Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, Christchurch

• Miranda Bird Sanctuary, Auckland

Let’s take a closer look at a few more of our special bird species:

Kiwi

The kiwi is an iconic New Zealand bird, known for its small size, long beak, and nocturnal habits. A few interesting facts about the kiwi:

• It's the only bird with nostrils at the end of its beak, which it uses to sniff out insects and worms in the ground.

• Despite its winged appearance, the kiwi cannot fly.

• Kiwis have a strong sense of territory and can be quite vocal, especially at night.

In the wild, kiwis can be found in various parts of New Zealand, including forests, grasslands, and coastal areas. If you're keen to see a kiwi up close, many sanctuaries, including the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa, offer kiwi encounters.

Kea

The kea, also known as the New Zealand mountain parrot, is the world's only true alpine parrot. This cheeky bird is known for its intelligence and playful nature. A few interesting facts about the kea:

• They have a loud, high-pitched call of 'keee-aaa'.

• Keas are very curious and have been known to approach people, especially in areas where they might get food.

• They are omnivorous and have a varied diet, including plant material, bugs, and even other animals.

Keas are native to the South Island of New Zealand, especially in or near alpine areas. One of the best places to see kea in the wild is in Arthur’s Pass Village and around the Homer Tunnel on your way to Milford Sound.

Penguins

New Zealand is home to several native penguin species including:

• Little Blue Penguin (Kororā): The world's smallest penguin, the Little Blue Penguin, can be found along much of New Zealand's coastline. They are often spotted coming ashore at dusk in places like Oamaru.

• Yellow-eyed Penguin (Hoiho): Recognised by their distinct yellow eyes and head band, the Hoiho is one of the world's rarest penguins. They can be seen on the Otago Peninsula, Stewart Island, and the Catlins.

• Fiordland Crested Penguin (Tawaki): With a distinctive yellow crest, the Tawaki is one of the few penguins that breed in rainforests. They are primarily found in the wet coastal rainforests of Fiordland and Stewart Island.

For those looking to immerse themselves in a penguin experience, several tour operators offer guided encounters:

• Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony: Witness the world's smallest penguins in their natural habitat as they return ashore after a day's fishing.

• Penguin Place: Located on the Otago Peninsula, this conservation reserve offers guided tours to see the Yellow-eyed Penguins up close.

• Eco Wanaka Adventures: This tour operator offers trips to Mou Waho Island where you can see Little Blue Penguins and other birdlife.

Image: Tourism New Zealand

Ready to go wildlife spotting in NZ?

From the giant whales cruising the Auckland Harbour to the cheeky kea in Arthur’s Pass, every corner of this beautiful country offers a chance to connect with nature in its purest form. As you plan your New Zealand road trip, consider the incredible wildlife experiences that await. Whether you're bird watching in a sanctuary, swimming with dolphins, or simply observing from the comfort of your campervan, the memories you'll make are sure to last a lifetime.

Ready to take a journey like no other? Book your Apollo campervan hire online today and set the wheels in motion for an unforgettable wildlife adventure in New Zealand. Your road to discovery starts here.