Bird
Mallard
The familiar puddle duck
Animals in New Zealand
New Zealand's flightless birds, tuatara, and marine mammals reflect millions of years without land mammals — kiwi, kea, and Hector's dolphin.
13 species in our guide are native to New Zealand.
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Bird
Kakapo
Flightless nocturnal parrot of New Zealand
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Mammal
Red-necked Wallaby
The rusty-shouldered grazer of eastern Australia
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Mammal
Red Deer
The roaring stag of Eurasian woodlands
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Mammal
Wild Boar
The ancestor of the domestic pig
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Fish
Basking Shark
Second-largest fish; gentle plankton feeder
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Bird
Common Pheasant
The ring-necked game bird of field and forest
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Bird
Kea
Alpine parrot renowned for curiosity
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Reptile
Tuatara
Living-fossil reptile unique to New Zealand
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Bird
South Island Takahe
Flightless purple swamphen of New Zealand
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Bird
Kiwi
New Zealand's flightless nocturnal bird with nostrils at the tip of its bill
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Fish
Blobfish
The deep-sea fish that only looks like a blob out of water
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Invertebrate
Giant Squid
The elusive deep-sea giant with enormous eyes
FAQs about animals in New Zealand
What animals are native to New Zealand?
New Zealand is home to 13 species in our guide, including Mallard, Kakapo, Red-necked Wallaby, Red Deer, Wild Boar, and more. Each profile covers habitat, diet, and conservation status.
Where can I learn about wildlife in New Zealand?
Browse the species below for answer-first guides with range maps, FAQs, and comparison pages. For broader context, see our Animals of Oceania region page.
Are any animals in New Zealand endangered?
Several species native to New Zealand are listed as Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Check individual profiles for current status and how to help.