New Zealand Forests And Coasts

Ferns, ancient trees and birds that evolved without land mammals.

New Zealand has been isolated for tens of millions of years, so its wildlife grew up without land mammals except bats. Birds, reptiles and insects filled the roles that mammals hold elsewhere, and many species live nowhere else.

Dense forest, rocky coast and alpine tussock sit within a short drive of each other, and the sounds of the forest are mostly birds.

The Landscape

Lowland forest mixes tall podocarps such as rimu and tōtara with broadleaf trees, tree ferns and vines, and giant kauri grow in the far north. In the south and at higher altitude, southern beech forest takes over, giving way to alpine tussock grassland and scree. The coast runs from sandy beaches and estuaries to rocky shores and deep fiords.

Who Lives Here

Tūī and the New Zealand Fantail are easy to find in forest and gardens, while the Kea, an alpine parrot, lives in the Southern Alps. Little Penguins nest along the coast, Tuatara survive on predator-free islands, and kiwi come out only at night. Silver Ferns and giant tree ferns shape the forest floor.

Through The Year

The seasons are the reverse of the northern hemisphere: summer runs from December to February. Birdsong peaks in spring, from September to November, seabirds and penguins breed through spring and summer, and trees such as pōhutukawa flower around Christmas. Whales pass the coast in winter, and Sperm Whales can be seen near Kaikōura all year.

Pressures And Care

Rats, stoats, possums and cats brought by people have wiped out or endangered many native birds, and forest clearance has removed much of the lowland forest. Kauri dieback disease threatens the giant kauri. Trapping programmes, predator-free islands and sanctuaries, and the national goal of becoming predator-free, are bringing some species back.

Visiting Well

Stay on tracks and clean your boots, gear and tyres at the stations before entering kauri forest to stop dieback spreading. Give penguins, seals and nesting birds plenty of room, never feed Kea, and book Great Walk huts and campsites ahead.

Look for

Tūī
New Zealand Fantail
Kea
Little Penguin
Silver Fern

Often a good time to visit: October, November, December, January, February, March. Conditions vary from year to year and place to place.

Related habitats

Woodland · Coastal · Wetland · Upland

More in Oceania

Australian Outback And Eucalypt Woodlands · Polynesian Islands And Coral Atolls