Taiaroa Head seabirds video
Westland petrel
New Zealand is famous for its land birds like the kiwi and kakapo. But just as remarkable and unique are the seabirds. More than a third of the 80 or so species of seabirds that breed in New Zealand are endemic, or found nowhere else.
Albatrosses are the world's largest seabirds, and spend at least 85 percent of their lives at sea.
This black and white wader is unique to the Chatham Islands. It is an endangered species with a high risk of extinction.
Found on the Chatham Islands off mainland New Zealand, the tāiko (Pterodroma magentae) is one of the world's rarest seabirds.
Once widespread on the Chatham Islands, the Chatham petrel was until recently restricted to Rangatira Island but active management has allowed the population to grow on other islands.
The nationally endangered Hutton's shearwater/tītī is the only New Zealand seabird that breeds in a sub-alpine environment.
The shell banks of Miranda, New Zealand, attract thousands of migratory birds each year and make for fantastic bird viewing.
The endangered New Zealand dotterel/tūturiwhatu is found only in this country.
With a population of around 36 individuals that includes only ten breeding pairs, the New Zealand fairy tern/tara-iti is probably New Zealand's rarest breeding bird.
Penguins are a unique group of flightless seabirds that are at home on land and in the sea. New Zealand has more penguin species on our shores than any other country.
Learn why the incidental capture (by-catch) of seabirds in longline fisheries is one of today's most pressing marine conservation issues.
Southern Seabird Solutions promotes the adoption of fishing practices in the southern hemisphere that avoid seabird mortality. The range covered by many of these seabirds means that conservation efforts must be globally coordinated.
The Westland petrel (tāiko) is endemic to New Zealand and breeds only on the West Coast of the South Island.
back to top
Tree planting for attracting native birds
Birds of the sea and shore - Te Ara Encyclopedia of NZ
Phone 0800 DOC HOTline (0800 362 468) 24 hour emergency number to report:
Sick or injured wildlife Whale or dolphin strandings
Contacts