Southland is home to Pahu Hector's dolphins, a species endemic to New Zealand. These dolphins are one of the world's smallest, with mature adults measuring between 1.2 and 1.6 meters. Pahu are easily recognised by their distinctive dorsal fin, resembling one of Mickey Mouse's ears. Their bodies are…
Read More
The saddleback, also known as the tīeke, is a remarkable bird native to New Zealand, celebrated for its unique appearance and conservation success story. Saddlebacks are characterized by their striking black plumage with a distinctive chestnut saddle-like patch on their back, which gives them their…
Read More
Kākāriki, meaning 'small green parrot' in Māori, are beautiful forest birds that were once common throughout New Zealand, but are now largely restricted to pest-free offshore and outlying islands, such as Stewart Island and Ulva Island. These colourful parrots are native to New Zealand and feed on…
Read More
The Catlins is a road-trippers dream, with winding roads weaving together a rolling symphony of picture-perfect landscapes, blue sea waters bordered by towering cliffs and stretches of golden-sand beaches and bays. As you stare out at the Hector's dolphins leaping from the water and seals lazing on…
Read More
Have you ever dreamt of exploring Fiordland? Take a Milford Road trip through Fiordland National Park, wander along the Piopiotahi Milford Sound foreshore, and admire Rahotu mitre peak's spectacular views. Have you considered basing yourself in Te Anau and taking day trips full of adventure or…
Read More
While the Northern Lights are well known throughout the world and are often on people’s bucket lists, its Southern counterpart, the Aurora Australis, is no less spectacular. This natural phenomenon lights up the sky with ribbons of pink, red and green light. This is due to solar wind passing through…
Read More
The kererū or New Zealand wood pigeon is a beautiful, iconic bird native to New Zealand and often seen across Southland. The kererū is one of the largest species of pigeons in the world, measuring about 50 centimeters in length and weighing around 550 grams. It has a distinctive appearance with a…
Read More
Most of these curious brown flightless birds are renowned for being heard and not seen with their distinctively loud ‘coo-et’ that is usually heard at dusk. However, Weka living close to farms or tramping huts have been known to become very charismatic. It is very common for these more domesticated…
Read More
Thought to be the most intelligent bird on Earth, the kea is only found in Alpine areas of the South Island. Scientists believe they possess around the same intelligence as a seven-year-old human, and they have been found to work well in teams. They’re not quite able to complete a Rubix cube, but…
Read More
Here in Southland, you might encounter both the Kakaruai/South Island robin, also known as the South Island tomtit or the Toutouwai/Stewart Island Robin, a subspecies. As you may have guessed, the Stewart Island robin is found exclusively on Rakiura Stewart Island. The South Island robin is more…
Read More
