Below you can find a complete list of New Zealand animals. We currently track 177 animals in New Zealand and are adding more every day!
New Zealand is a country in Oceania made up of two large islands and several smaller islands. New Zealand has a widely diverse topography and a temperate maritime climate. Due to millions of years of isolation in New Zealand’s past, there are many unique types of flora and fauna native to the islands. Along with unique native species, New Zealand is also home to many exotic types of animal species. Originally, New Zealand had very few predator mammals, leading to the increased evolution of flightless birds.
The Official National (state) Animal of New Zealand
The national animal and the national bird of New Zealand is the native kiwi bird. This loveable, flightless bird is so strongly associated with New Zealand that the term “kiwi” is often used to refer to the native people of the country. Kiwis are considered vulnerable in terms of conservation due to the invasion of non-native predator mammals as well as deforestation.
Where To Find The Top Wild Animals
The top animal in New Zealand is undoubtedly the national kiwi bird. Kiwis are very shy and elusive and are mainly found in forests during nocturnal hours. Another top animal is the lesser short-tailed bat. This bat is the only native land mammal in the country. It’s considered endangered and difficult to see outside of zoos. Many of New Zealand’s common animals can be found in the waters surrounding the country. These include the following:
- Hector’s dolphin
- fur seal
- Maui dolphin
- Hooker’s sea lion
- Little blue penguins
- Yellow-eyed penguins
Native Birds
New Zealand holds some of the most unique environments and species in the world, secluded as an island country. Birds of the country are especially of note. In fact, New Zealand is so fond of their avifauna that an annual Bird of the Year contest is held every October and is widely debated on platforms such as Twitter. Many parts of the island are home to special birds, some of these being choice spots to bird watch:
- Northland – Home of Project Island Song, a sanctuary using native tree planting, biosecurity measures, and species protection to bring native birdsong back to the country. PIS has successfully reintroduced native species to seven of the main islands. Kiwis are a popular bird to spot here at night.
- Auckland – Tiritiri Mātangi is a predator-free, forested island accessible by an hour-long ferry ride from Auckland. Around 300,000 native trees shelter many native wildlife species, including several unique bird species. The rare tākahē may be spotted by lucky visitors. North of Auckland lies the sanctuary of Tāwharanui Regional Park. More than 90 species of endangered bird including the North Island robin, tākahē, pāteke (brown teal), kākāriki, tīeke, korimako (bellbird), and North Island brown kiwi.
- Waikato – Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari lies in this district, a fenced-in ecological “island” teeming with native flora and fauna, including impressive bird watching.
Named are only a few of the many places in the islands to visit for excellent birding. New Zealanders are highly protective of their distinctive avifauna, fiercely advocating for preservation of habitat and the birds’ well-being.
Native Fish
Hiking, cricket, and photography are all popular hobbies in New Zealand, along with fishing. Surrounded by almost 10,000 miles of coastline, the country is a hotspot for sea fishing. Lakes and rivers also prove draw in freshwater fisherman, especially those looking for trout.
Charters from the Bay of Plenty and Northland are available from December to June, big game fishing season. Commonly sought species include:
- Marlin
- Billfish
- Yellowfin tuna” data-wpil-keyword-link=”linked” data-old-href=”https://a-z-animals.com/animals/yellowfin-tuna/” data-lasso-id=”85799″>Yellowfin tuna
- Kingfish
- Snapper (a prize for fishermen here)
Ocean fishing is not the only type of fishing in the country, however. Fly fishing and other freshwater fishing is available in the lakes and rivers of New Zealand. Trout is a particularly popular catch, especially prevalent in Lake Taupo. Here are some common freshwater finds:
- Rainbow trout
- Brown trout
- Salmon
Native Snakes
Quite the paradise for avid nature-lovers, New Zealand’s many unique species actually exclude snakes. There are no land snakes present in the island country, giving visitors one less creepy crawly to worry about. Occasionally yellow-bellied sea snakes and sea kraits are spotted in the surrounding oceans but these are rare sightings.
The Most Dangerous Animals
There are over 70,000 species of flora and fauna. Some of these species are dangerous to humans. Sharks are probably the most dangerous animal in New Zealand as several species roam the waters, including the great white and oceanic whitetip. New Zealand also has a few venomous spider species, including the Katipo spider, redback spider, and white-tailed spider. The latter spider species is also the most common, which makes it more likely that it will encounter and bite humans. Fortunately, it’s not as venomous as the other two spiders.
Endangered Animals
There are a number of endangered animals in New Zealand. The fairy tern has a remaining population of between 30 and 40 animals. It’s threatened by a loss of habitat as well as predation by cats and dogs. The flightless kakapo parrot has only 124 animals left in the wild and is endangered for the same reasons as the fairy tern. The Maui dolphin is a subspecies of Hector’s dolphin, but it’s very endangered with only about 55 animals left. Gill nets and trawling nets are mainly to blame for the dolphin’s destruction. Other endangered animals include the following:
- Sea lion
- Southern elephant seal
- Bryde’s whale
- Greater short-tailed bat
- Black stilt
- White heron
Native and Unique Wildlife To New Zealand
As a relatively isolated area, this country is home to many types of flora and fauna that are completely unique to it. The kiwi is one of these unique natives. Another unique native animal is the kea. The kea is the only alpine species of parrot in the world. They can be found in Arthur’s Pass National Park and Fiordland National Park. They’re known for eating nearly anything, including rubber parts on cars. Another unique animal native to New Zealand is the chevron skink. Its claim to fame is that it’s the island’s longest lizard.
Extinct New Zealand Wildlife
Many animals have become extinct in New Zealand over the years. One is the Haast’s eagle, which died out after humans hunted the moa (the eagle’s main prey) to extinction. This eagle was the largest known eagle to have once existed, and it weighed about 33 pounds. Other extinct New Zealand animals include the following:
- South Island goose
- Greater short-tailed bat
- Grayling
- Kawekaweau gecko
Zoos in New Zealand
Looking at New Zealand wildlife in their natural habitat is always ideal, however, several particular zoos of the country are home to exceptional exhibits and opportunities to see native and exotic species and learn more about the preservation of these important species.
- Willowbank Wildlife Reserve – Dedicated to maintaining animals’ natural environments, there is no glass for viewing animals. Visitors are able to get up close and personal to kiwi, kea, and tuatara.
- Auckland Zoo – One of the main attractions of the city, this zoo is home to 135 species of wildlife, including African mammals, reptiles, and avifauna. The zoo has a veterinary hospital for treatment, recovery, and rehabilitation of injured wildlife.
- Orana Wildlife Park – Known around the world for its wildlife breeding program for native and exotic species, Orana sits on 197 acres of land and houses over 400 animals. The aviaries and herpetarium are specifically popular.
New Zealand puts strong effort into protecting its native species and in conservation in general. The country’s zoos reflect this goal, contributing to rehabilitation, repopulation, and reintroduction of wild animals.
New Zealand Animals
Albatross
The largest wingspan of any bird in the world!
Angora Goat
Each adult Angora goat produces about 12 inches of mohair annually while kids have about 8 inches.
Ant
First evolved 100 million years ago!
Apple Moth
In Australia the LBAM causes $21.1 million annually in lost production and control costs
Barn Owl
Found everywhere around the world!
Bat
Detects prey using echolocation!
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs feed for 4-12 minutes.
Bee
Rock paintings of bees date back 15,000 years
Beetle
There are more than 350,000 different species
Bird
Not all birds are able to fly!
Biscuit Beetle
The biscuit beetle form a symbiotic relationship with yeast
Black Widow Spider
They typically prey on insects!
Brown Dog Tick
Can live its entire life indoors
Butterfly
There are thought to be up 17,500 species!
Camel Cricket
The camel crickets that are found in the USA are light brown in color. They also have dark streaks all over their body.
Carpenter Ant
Carpenter ants can lift up to seven times their own weight with their teeth!
Cashmere Goat
Cashmere goat are named after Kashmir regions of India and Pakistan
Cat
First domesticated by the Ancient Egyptians!
Caterpillar
The larvae of a moth or butterfly!
Catfish
There are nearly 3,000 different species!
Centipede
There are about 3,000 documented species!
Chicken
First domesticated more than 10,000 years ago!
Cockroach
Dated to be around 300 million years old!
Codling Moth
Pupae are able to undergo diapause to survive poor fruit yield years and winter.
Common Furniture Beetle
The common furniture beetle feeds exclusively on wood
Common House Spider
House spiders have the ability to eat most insects in a home.
Cormorant
They can fly 35 mph and dive 150 feet below water.
Cow
There are nearly 1.5 billion worldwide!
Crab
There are 93 different crab groups
Crab Spider
Crab Spiders can mimic ants or bird droppings
Crane
Many are critically endangered species!
Crested Penguin
Has long yellow eyebrows!
Cricket
Male crickets can produce sounds by rubbing their wings together
Crocodile
Have changed little in 200 million years!
Diamondback Moth
Adult males make high amplitude boing noise to attract females
Dog
First domesticated in South-East Asia!
Dog Tick
Dog ticks feed on dogs and other mammals
Donkey
First domesticated 5,000 years ago!
Dragonfly
It's larvae are carnivorous!
Duck
Rows of tiny plates line their teeth!
Dung Beetle
The dung beetle can push objects many times its own weight
Dunnock
Both male and female dunnocks can have multiple mates every breeding season
Dusky Shark
The Dusky Shark sometimes eats trash discarded by humans.
Earthworm
They are hermaphrodites, which means they have male and female organs
Earwig
There are nearly 2,000 different species!
Eel
Eels can be a mere few inches long to 13 feet!
Elephant Fish
Elephant fish are known as the Australian ghost shark, but they are not actually a shark species!
English Longhorn Cattle
Although they look similar to the Texas Longhorn, they are not closely related.
Ermine
A very bold and ferocious predator!
European Starling
European starlings are accomplished mimics, often copying songs or sounds of other birds and animals (frog calls, goats, cats), or even mechanical sounds and human speech!
Falcon
The fastest creatures on the planet!
Fallow deer
The fallow deer has more variation in its coat colors than most other deer.
False Widow Spider
False spiders actually prey on black widow spiders and other hazardous spiders
Firefly
The firefly produces some of the most efficient light in the world
Flea
Adult fleas can jump up to 7 inches in the air
Fly
There are more than 240,000 different species!
Frog
There are around 7,000 different species!
Fruit Fly
Fruit flies are among the most common research animals in the world
Galapagos Shark
Galapagos sharks are cannibalistic and sometimes eat their young, so the pups stay away from the adults in shallow water.
Gecko
There are thought to be over 2,000 species!
German Cockroach
The most common type of urban roach
Giant Trevally
The largest fish in its genus
Giant Weta
They've been around for 190,000,000 years!
Glowworm
Found inhabiting dense woodland and caves!
Gnat
Males form large mating swarms at dusk
Grasshopper
There are 11,000 known species!
Gypsy Moth
One of the most invasive species in the world
Haast’s Eagle
The Haast's eagle was the largest eagle to have ever existed.
Hamster
Able to run as quickly backwards as forwards!
Hare
Can reach speeds of over 50 mph!
Hawk Moth Caterpillar
Many hawk moth caterpillars eat toxins from plants, but don’t sequester them the way milkweed butterflies do. Most toxins are excreted.
Heron
Inhabits wetlands around the world!
Highland Cattle
Natively found in the Scottish Highlands!
Honey Bee
There are only 8 recognized species!
Horse
Has evolved over 50 million years!
Horsefly
Horseflies have been seen performing Immelmann turns, much like fighter jets.
House Sparrow (English Sparrow)
The house sparrow has been introduced all over the world
Housefly
The fly has no teeth
Human
Thought to have orignated 200,000 years ago!
Huntaway
Huntaways have a strong instinct for herding.
Huntsman Spider
Some huntsman spiders have an interesting way of moving around. Some cartwheel while others do handsprings or backflips.
Ibis
Found in swamps, marshes and wetlands!
Insects
There are an estimated 30 million species!
John Dory
The John Dory is often labeled one of the ugliest fish in the world and has no known relatives.
Kakapo
The heaviest species of parrot in the world!
Kea
This lovable pest may come to you asking for food or attempting to steal your belongings! They are named for their loud vocalizations, “kee-aaa!”
Kiko Goat
Kiko goats breed year-round, and they are not good at defending themselves.
Kiwi
Only found in the forests of New Zealand!
Kookaburra
The laughing kookaburra is one of four kookaburra species.
Ladybug
There are more than 5,000 species worldwide!
Lawnmower Blenny
Must be in temperatures of 78 degrees Fahrenheit to breed
Leech
Has 10 pairs of eyes!
Little Penguin
The smallest species of penguin!
Lizard
There are around 5,000 different species!
Locust
Each locust can eat its weight in plants each day.
Magpie
They are found across Europe, Asia and Africa!
Mallard
With an appropriate tail wind, the mallard can travel hundreds of miles a day
Marine Toad
Produces a toxin used in arrow darts!
Mayfly
There are 2,500 known species worldwide!
Mealybug
They have a symbiotic relationship with ants.
Millipede
Some species have a poisonous bite!
Mole
Primarily hunts and feeds on Earthworms!
Monarch Butterfly
During migration, Monarch Butterflies may travel 250 or more miles each day.
Mongrel
Has characteristics of two or more breeds!
Monitor Lizard
Some species are thought to carry a weak venom!
Moorhen
Feeds on aquatic insects and water-spiders!
Mosquito
Only the female mosquito actually sucks blood
Moth
There are 250,000 different species!
Mouse
Found on every continent on Earth!
Muscovy Duck
Unlike most duck species, the Muscovy is silent and only makes noise when excited or threatened.
Myna Bird
For a nice price, the mynah bird makes a good pet.
Neptune Grouper
The largest recorded specimen ever caught was 17" long
No See Ums
There are more than 5,000 species.
Orb Weaver
Females are about four times the size of males
Otter
There are 13 different species worldwide
Owl
The owl can rotate its head some 270 degrees
Pacific Spaghetti Eel
They have excellent eyesight
Parrot
Can live for up to 100 years!
Perch Fish
Some of the most delicious gamefish in the world
Peregrine Falcon
Fastest animal on Earth
Pheasant
Females lay between 8 and 12 eggs per clutch!
Pigeon
They can find their way back to their nests from up to 1300 miles away.
Possum
There are 69 species on the Australian continent!
Praying Mantis
The mantis can turn its head 180 degrees.
Quail
Inhabits woodland and forest areas worldwide!
Rat
Omnivores that eat anything!
River Turtle
Inhabits freshwater habitats around the world!
Robin
There are more than 45 species in Australia alone!
Rockhopper Penguin
There are 3 different species!
Rodents
The capybara, the world’s largest rodent, likes to be in and around bodies of water. Because of this, the Catholic Church in South America decided that it was a fish, and people were allowed to eat it during Lent and First Fridays.
Rooster
Will mate with the entire flock!
Sable Ferret
Ferrets were used during the Revolutionary War to keep down the rat population.
Sambar
Male sambars will compete for mates by clashing together with their antlers
Sand Crab
The sand crab burrows beneath the sand with its tail
Savanna Goat
Savanna goats have only existed since 1957.
Scorpion
There are around 2,000 known species!
Sea Dragon
Inhabits tropical coastal waters of Australia!
Sea Eagle
The sea eagle tends to mate for life with a single partner
Sea Snake
The sea snake is incredibly venomous, even more than a cobra!”
Seahorse
Males give birth to up to 1,000 offspring!
Shrimp
There are 2,000 different species worldwide!
Skink Lizard
Some skinks lay eggs in some habitats while giving birth to skinklets in other habitats.
Slug
They glide around on one foot, which is aided by the slime they produce
Smokybrown Cockroach
Has up to 45 eggs per egg case
Snail
There are nearly 1,000 different species!
Snake
There are around 4,000 known species worldwide
Sparrow
There are 140 different species!
Spider Wasp
They prey on spiders to feed their larvae or they parasitize other spider wasps.
Stick Insect
There are more than 3,000 different species!
Striped Rocket Frog
Long powerful hind legs!
Swan
Populations have been affected by pollution!
Tarantula Hawk
Tarantula hawks are excellent pollinators, especially for milkweed.
Termite
Their mounds can be up to 9 meters tall!
Thrush
The American robin is called the robin because its red breast reminded European settlers of the robin back in the old country.
Tick
They inject hosts with a chemical that stops them from feeling the pain of the bite
Tiger Beetle
The adult tiger beetle is one of the fastest land insects in the world
Tiger Trout
As tiger trout are sterile, they cannot produce offspring. However, they do have relatively long lifespans and can live up to 10 years in captivity.
Tortoise
Can live until they are more than 150 years old!
Tuatara
Only found on a few of New Zealand's islands!
Turtles
Some species of aquatic turtles can get up to 70 percent of their oxygen through their butt.
Waimanu
The albatross is related to the waimanu!
Wasp
There are around 75,000 recognised species!
Water Buffalo
Has been domesticated for thousands of years!
Water Dragon
Spends most of it's time in the trees!
Welsh Black Cattle
Welsh Black Cattle were once used as currency in Wales and referred to as “black gold”.
White Ferret / Albino Ferrets
There are two different types of white ferrets!
Wolf Spider
Carnivorous arachnid that hunts its prey.
Woodlouse
This animal can roll up into a ball
Woodlouse Spider
Unlike most spiders, woodlouse spiders don’t build a web.
Worm
Doesn’t have eyes.
Yellow-Eyed Penguin
The rarest species of penguin!
Yellowhammer
It interbreeds with the pine bunting
New Zealand Animals List
- Albatross
- Angora Goat
- Ant
- Apple Moth
- Barn Owl
- Bat
- Bed Bugs
- Bee
- Beetle
- Bird
- Biscuit Beetle
- Black Widow Spider
- Brown Dog Tick
- Butterfly
- Camel Cricket
- Carpenter Ant
- Cashmere Goat
- Cat
- Caterpillar
- Catfish
- Centipede
- Chicken
- Cockroach
- Codling Moth
- Common Furniture Beetle
- Common House Spider
- Cormorant
- Cow
- Crab
- Crab Spider
- Crane
- Crested Penguin
- Cricket
- Crocodile
- Cuckoo
- Diamondback Moth
- Dog
- Dog Tick
- Donkey
- Dragonfly
- Duck
- Dung Beetle
- Dunnock
- Dusky Shark
- Earthworm
- Earwig
- Eel
- Elephant Fish
- English Longhorn Cattle
- Ermine
- European Starling
- Falcon
- Fallow deer
- False Widow Spider
- Firefly
- Flea
- Fly
- Frog
- Fruit Fly
- Galapagos Shark
- Gecko
- German Cockroach
- Giant Trevally
- Giant Weta
- Glowworm
- Gnat
- Grasshopper
- Gypsy Moth
- Gypsy Moth Caterpillar
- Haast’s Eagle
- Hamster
- Hare
- Hawk Moth Caterpillar
- Heron
- Highland Cattle
- Honey Bee
- Horse
- Horsefly
- House Sparrow (English Sparrow)
- Housefly
- Human
- Huntaway
- Huntsman Spider
- Ibis
- Insects
- John Dory
- Kakapo
- Kea
- Kiko Goat
- Kitefin Shark
- Kiwi
- Kookaburra
- Ladybug
- Lawnmower Blenny
- Leech
- Little Penguin
- Lizard
- Locust
- Magpie
- Mallard
- Marine Toad
- Mayfly
- Mealybug
- Millipede
- Mole
- Monarch Butterfly
- Mongrel
- Monitor Lizard
- Moorhen
- Mosquito
- Moth
- Mouse
- Muscovy Duck
- Myna Bird
- Neptune Grouper
- No See Ums
- Orb Weaver
- Otter
- Owl
- Pacific Spaghetti Eel
- Parrot
- Perch Fish
- Peregrine Falcon
- Pheasant
- Pigeon
- Possum
- Praying Mantis
- Quail
- Rat
- River Turtle
- Robin
- Rockhopper Penguin
- Rodents
- Rooster
- Sable Ferret
- Sambar
- Sand Crab
- Savanna Goat
- Scorpion
- Sea Dragon
- Sea Eagle
- Sea Snake
- Seahorse
- Shrimp
- Skink Lizard
- Slug
- Smokybrown Cockroach
- Snail
- Snake
- Sparrow
- Spider Wasp
- Stick Insect
- Striped Rocket Frog
- Swallowtail Butterfly
- Swallowtail Caterpillar
- Swan
- Tarantula Hawk
- Termite
- Thrush
- Tick
- Tiger Beetle
- Tiger Trout
- Tortoise
- Tuatara
- Turtles
- Waimanu
- Wasp
- Water Buffalo
- Water Dragon
- Welsh Black Cattle
- White Ferret / Albino Ferrets
- Wolf Spider
- Woodlouse
- Woodlouse Spider
- Worm
- Yellow-Eyed Penguin
- Yellowhammer
New Zealand FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What kind of animals live in New Zealand?
The most populous animals in New Zealand are birds, marine life and reptiles. New Zealand did not naturally have land predators until humans moved in.
What is the main animal in New Zealand?
The kiwi is the most well-known animal in New Zealand.
Does New Zealand have dangerous animals?
Unlike Australia, New Zealand has very few dangerous animals.
