ANIMALS you’ll only find here

Kiwis (both ourselves and the feathered lot) are a rare bunch, but we’re not the only small-numbered inhabitants unique to Aotearoa.

KEA PARROT

Most likely to: DO TIME

If they’re not pinching your sandwich, they’ll be stealing the wipers off your windscreen: kea, the world’s only alpine parrot are unique to the South Island and notoriously naughty. They are natural-born burglars, blending into their surroundings with a mix of olive-green plumage which hides a striking orange underlay, most visible when they’re in full flight.

FIND THEM: South Island ski-fields and mountain huts. Arthur’s Pass is also a good spot, in particular, the Viaduct Lookout at the ominously named Death’s Corner (on SH 73).

YELLOW-EYED PENGUIN

Most likely to: GIVE BEADY SIDE-EYE

One of the rarest penguins you’ll ever (hopefully) clap eyes on is the yellow-eyed penguin: small, elusive and only 65-centimetres tall. The bright yellow stripe from where they get their name runs between the eye and the back of their head, but perhaps most noticeable is their crafty expression, which can often look like they’re plotting world domination.

FIND THEM: There are no yellow-eyed penguins in captivity, but they do breed on the south-east coast of the South Island, notably Banks Peninsula, North Otago, Otago Peninsula and The Catlins.

Yellow-eyed penguin, Otago

© Getty Images

HECTOR’S DOLPHINS

Most likely to: SHOW OFF

These dolphins are the world’s smallest and rarest marine dolphins, reaching no more than 1.5 metres in length. Look out for their distinct black facial markings, stocky bodies and fins that are rounded like a Mickey Mouse ear. At first shy, it won’t take long for Hector’s dolphins to leap gregariously in and out of the water.

FIND THEM: Boat tours in Akaroa and Lyttelton harbours are by far the best places to see Hector’s dolphins.

Hector’s dolphin

© Black Cat Cruises

TUATARA

Most likely to: OUTLIVE US ALL

The tuatara is the most ancient of all living reptiles and has survived for almost 200 million years, including a stint roaming with dinosaurs. If you didn’t already think tuatara were enlightened, you’ll be awed to learn they have a third eye, albeit barely visible on top of their head.

FIND THEM: Tuatara were extradited from the mainland for their own protection, but some still reside at Sanctuary Mountain near Cambridge. This ecological haven is enveloped by the world’s longest pest-proof fence.

Tuatara, Zealandia

© www.visitzealandia.com

KIWI

Most likely to: HIDE

Our treasured national icon, the humble kiwi, is averse to the limelight we’ve bestowed upon it. Kiwis are shy, nocturnal and flightless. There are a handful of different types, the largest being the great spotted kiwi, native to the South Island, and the most abundant being the North Island brown kiwi.

FIND THEM: Book a night walk with conservation groups such as Whakatane Kiwi Trust, or visit a kiwi sanctuary like Zealandia near Wellington, as well as Orana Wildlife Park in Christchurch, Queenstown’s Kiwi Birdlife Park and the Kiwi Encounter at Rainbow Springs in Rotorua.

TALENTED DOG!

Tour company Akaroa Dolphins have trained dogs to listen for dolphin calls. One of them, Albie the English Springer Spaniel, might not be unique to New Zealand, but we think his skills are pretty special.

Albie the English springer spaniel, Akaroa Dolphins

© Chalita Aommy Klumjui