Wild Life in Newzealand

Before the arrival of Maoris about a thousand years ago New Zealand enjoyed a natural evolution unspoilt by humans, which still survives today.



There were no land mammals - only whales, seals and dolphins in the sea - and this enabled the birds to enjoy the islands to themselves.

Among the breeds was a giant moa, which was a three-metre high ostrich, wiped out by hunters hundreds of years ago, while another is the Kiwi.

The Kiwi is a rather dull brown and shy looking creature with a long nose but is much loved for being unique to New Zealand.

The humpback whale is an occasional visitor to the island's shores to be seen off Kaikoura and Cook Strait, while the sperm whale is a more common sight.

A wide variety of dolphins can be seen all year round by the Bay of Plenty, Bay of Islands and Coromandel Peninsula.

Penguins may be spotted off Otago Peninsula or on certain areas on the east coast of the South Island, the Fiordland and Steward Island.

Another interesting visitor is the albatross, which can also be found on the Otago Peninsula, along with a wide variety of birds attracted to its fish-rich waters.