Arguably New Zealand’s most famous bird, the kiwi has become ubiquitous in Kiwi culture. There are five species of Kiwi and the Tokoeka species calls Southland home. Tokoeka translates as ‘weka with a walking stick’ (Ngāi Tahu). There are three distinct forms of Tokoeka: Haast, Fiordland and Rakiura. The Rakiura are particularly unusual as they do not follow the usual nocturnal habits of other Kiwi with their daytime adventures.

Learn more about the kiwi here.

Learn more about other birds in Southland: