Six rare and unusual animals to discover in Whangārei
Published on 15 July 2024
Whangārei is home to many unique creatures, some with four legs, some with two and some with none!
Here are six rare native species that you may encounter during your time in Whangārei.
1. Encounter the iconic kiwi bird at Kiwi North's Nocturnal House
Wild kiwis are growing in number in the Whangārei district thanks to hard work by local conservation groups such as Backyard Kiwi. They've worked on predator control, kiwi monitoring, landowner liaison, and community engagement to aid the growing kiwi population on the Whangārei Heads peninsula.
If you've dreamt of seeing our national icon in person, pop along to Kiwi North. Kiwi North's nocturnal house is home to two kiwi. The happy duo forage in the leaf litter and entertain their guests with the occasional 'zoomies'.
Despite their cosy surroundings, these kiwis aren’t exempt from the weather – it rains twice a week inside the enclosure!
Where to find it: KiwiNorth is located at 500 State Highway 14 in Maunu.
More information: KiwiNorth
2. Witness the rare and beautiful NZ Fairy Tern at Waipū and Ruakākā Wildlife Sanctuaries
With a population of around 40 birds and an average of nine breeding pairs, the NZ fairy tern (Sternula nereis davisae) or tara-iti is one of NZ’s rarest birds.
Their habitat, once widespread, is now limited to just four sites. Some birds nest and feed in Waipū and Ruakākā Wildlife reserves.
Where to find it: The Waipū River Mouth Wildlife Refuge is accessible from the end of Johnson Point Road in Waipū. The Ruakākā Wildlife Refuge is accessible from Princes Road in Ruakākā.
More information: NZ Fairy Tern Charitable Trust
3. Explore the unique ecosystem of the Poor Knights Islands
Buller’s shearwaters are medium to large-sized sea birds with long slender hooked bills. They breed only on the Poor Knights Islands. Recent estimates suggest that there may be 100,000 pairs on Aorangi Island, less than half the 1981 estimate.
The birds dig burrows in the volcanic soil and return to the same nest year after year. They'll share this burrow with the nocturnal tuatara.
At night, the tuatara leaves to feed. But it will guard the Shearwater’s eggs during the day while the bird is at sea, feeding and resting on the surface.
The Poor Knights Islands are a protected marine reserve. While you can't access the islands, there is plenty to see underwater.
Where to find it: Dive Tutukaka offer a range of diving and snorkelling tours to the Poor Knights Islands. They also offer paddleboards so non-divers can take to the water without getting too wet.
More information: Poor Knights Marine Reserve, Dive Tutukaka
4. Observe the Brown Teal at Mimiwhangata Coastal Park
The brown teal, or pāteke, is New Zealand's rarest mainland waterfowl. They once lived throughout lowland freshwater wetlands and forests.
Mimiwhangata Coastal Park is the last mainland stronghold for this small duck, which is secretive and nocturnal. But, there is also a growing population in Pātaua North.
Where to find it: Drive to Helena Bay and continue onto Webb Road. The road is unsealed, so drive with care!
More information: Mimiwhangata Coastal Park, Brown Teal/Pateke Recovery Program
5. Watch for elusive longfin eels
Conservation projects to protect the longfin eel population are underway across Aotearoa.
Māori culture values the threatened longfin eels, known as Tuna kuwharuwharu, found only in New Zealand.
These eels are awesome. They go on an impressive journey to deep-sea trenches near Tonga to mate. Then, they return to New Zealand to live in rivers and streams. They can also live to be over 100 years old!
Once upon a time, there were tales of longfin eels weighing as much as 40 kilograms. These days, you'll rarely spot one over 10 kilograms.
Where to find it: Look in our rivers and streams; however, they can be hard to spot in the shadows.
More information: Longfin Eels
6. Explore the habitat of the Pekapeka
One of our smallest native species can be found in the beautiful Pukenui Forest (and occasionally napping in a neighbours shed!)
The Pekapeka or long-tailed bat has a thumb-sized body and roosts in the gnarled trunks of old trees. New Zealand's only native land mammal, the pekapeka is classed as 'Nationally Critical'.
Where to find it: Pukenui Western Hills Forest is a 1,700 hectare forest accessible via several locations, including Amalin Drive in Te Kamo, the Quarry Arts Centre and the Whangārei Quarry Gardens.
More information: New Zealand bats/pekapeka, Native species in Pukenui Forest