The Kiwi Bird: New Zealand's Little Fluff Ball (+ Video)

Keas, Kiwis and Kakapos and where you can find them

Overview

Intro
Step 1 - What does a Kiwi look like?
Step 2 - Where can you see a Kiwi?
Frequently Asked Questions

If you say “I want to eat a Kiwi” in New Zealand, you’ll likely get some strange looks. Rightly so, because in New Zealand, it usually refers to the bird and not the fruit.

The little Kiwi bird is not only the national animal of New Zealanders but also quite fluffy and cute.

So stop, don’t eat it!

Intro

Sneaking through the bushes...

Our first encounter with a Kiwi was pretty thrilling. We were on a (guided) night hike with a small group. Armed with flashlights, we trudged through the underbrush and paused to listen.

When a small, chubby fluff ball suddenly hopped out of the bushes, it was quite a WOW moment.

We hope you have a great Kiwi encounter too.
It’s worth it!

- Team KiwiQuest

Step 1 - What does a Kiwi look like?

The Kiwi is the emblem of New Zealanders. And although this little flightless bird is world-famous, it is quite inconspicuous and shy. But hey, we love it anyway. Especially because it’s so fluffy to the touch.

Impressions

The Kiwi is about a 30-centimeter-high fluff ball. It has feathers that resemble hair and lays a huge egg (the largest in the world relative to its body size). It can't fly but can run quite fast.

What is he sniffing at?

And the kiwi goes "Cheep!"

Small, thick and fluffy

A shuttlecock on legs

Data & Facts

Okay, next let's take a closer look. We were especially surprised by how quickly such a little Kiwi can run. Honestly: we are not as fast as it is.

Size

Up to 45 cm - This makes the Kiwi significantly smaller than many other animals.

Weight

Up to 3.5 kg - Whoa, not to be rude, but someone here might need a diet.

Speed

Up to 20 km/h - Yep, the Kiwi is actually pretty speedy for such a little feather-ball.

Lifespan

10-20 years - Surprising given that dogs only live around ten years.

Diet

Worms & insects - With its beak, it eagerly pokes around for its prey.

Enemies

Dogs, Cats, Ferrets - The Kiwi doesn't like them at all and prefers to hide.

User question:

Why is the Kiwi almost extinct?

Odd and defenseless creatures like the Kiwi could survive in New Zealand because they had no enemies for a long time. When New Zealand separated from the ancient supercontinent Gondwana, there were no predators in the region. The Kiwi never learned to fly because no threat loomed. It was the humans who introduced the danger. Today, the biggest threats are possums, which raid Kiwi food, eggs, and chicks, as well as free-roaming pets like dogs.

User question:

How many Kiwi birds are there worldwide?

Currently only about 100,000 or less. That might sound like a lot at first, but considering there were once 12 million Kiwis, it paints a different picture.

New Zealand’s Department of Conservation and several small national groups do their best to rebuild the Kiwi population.

The Kiwi in Motion

The Kiwi always walks slightly bent forward, as if its long beak is weighing it down. It can't fly, so it usually shyly stalks through the undergrowth. But when it does dare to move, it's pretty fast.

Step 2 - Where can you see a Kiwi?

Basically, Kiwis exist in New Zealand. But they’ve become quite rare, so you’re unlikely to just bump into one accidentally. To see one, you need to plan and choose the right place. Most importantly, you need to stay up late because the Kiwi is only active in the dark.

User question:

What should you consider when "Kiwi-Spotting"?

You can track them on a night hike (Light and sturdy shoes are essential!). There are popular spots on both main islands. Commercial providers offer guided Kiwi-watching tours. There are also sanctuaries and captivity holdings like the “Kiwi House” on the South Island.

Top 5 Kiwi Spots on the North Island

On the North Island in New Zealand, you have the best chances to see a Kiwi. It's easiest in facilities like Zealandia, although less adventurous.

Step 1 Russell Nature Walks Location - Cost: approx. $10 NZ
Step 2 Trounson Kauri Park Location - Cost: approx. $30 NZ
Step 3 Kapiti Island Location - Cost: ???
Step 4 Tawharanui Location - Cost: approx. $10 NZ
Step 5 Zealandia Location - Cost: approx. $20 NZ

Top 5 Kiwi Spots on the South Island

The South Island of New Zealand offers more guided tours for Kiwi-spotting. They do cost something, but are quite thrilling, as you traipse through the underbrush at night. An unforgettable experience.

Step 1 Ruggedy Range Location - Cost: approx. $30 NZ
Step 2 Kiwi House Location - Cost: approx. $25 NZ
Step 3 Tuatapere Location - Cost: ???
Step 4 Dunedin Location - Cost: ???
Step 5 Okarito Location - Cost: ???

Yep! That’s all about the little Kiwi we know.
We wish you a great encounter.

Have fun!

Frequently Asked Questions

What other KiwiQuesters wanted to know...

User question:

Are Kiwis dangerous?

Not directly dangerous, as they’re a lot smaller than you. But they’re very easily provoked. So don’t tease, because that Kiwi is faster than you.

User question:

Can a Kiwi fly?

Nope. As the Kiwi didn’t have any real natural enemies, it never learned to fly. Its natural predators (like dogs) were brought to New Zealand by humans.