Nelson Lakes National Park

Birds

The diverse landscapes of Nelson Lakes National Park provide an important habitat for a wide array of native and endemic bird species. From deep beech forests to alpine meadows, the park is home to some of New Zealand’s most iconic birds.

Kea
The world’s only alpine parrot, the kea is highly intelligent and known for its mischievous nature. Found in the park’s higher elevations, it often interacts with visitors and is famous for its curiosity and problem-solving abilities.

South Island Kākā
A close relative of the kea, this forest parrot is known for its raucous calls and striking red and brown plumage. It is most active in the early morning and evening, searching for nectar, fruit, and insects.

Rifleman
New Zealand’s smallest bird, the rifleman is an energetic insect-eater that flits through the park’s beech forests. Its high-pitched call and rapid wing beats make it a delight to spot.

Tūī
Recognizable by its iridescent blue-green feathers and distinctive white throat tuft, the tūī is a vocal bird with a wide range of calls, mimicking other sounds in the forest. It thrives in forested areas, feeding on nectar and insects.

Bellbird
Another talented songbird, the bellbird is named for its melodic, bell-like song that echoes through the park’s forests. It plays a key role in pollination, feeding on nectar from native flowers.

New Zealand Falcon (Kārearea)
A powerful and agile predator, the kārearea is often seen soaring above open areas in search of prey. Unlike the more common harrier, this falcon is known for its speed and precision hunting skills.

Yellowhead (Mohua)
Once widespread but now rare due to habitat loss and predators, the mohua is a bright yellow songbird that thrives in the park’s mature beech forests. It forages in small flocks, searching for insects beneath the bark.

Fantail (Pīwakawaka)
Easily recognized by its fan-shaped tail and friendly behavior, the fantail flits energetically through the forest, catching insects midair. It is one of the most commonly seen birds in the park.

Great Spotted Kiwi
This nocturnal, flightless bird is one of New Zealand’s most iconic species. It is elusive but can be found in the dense forested areas of the park, where it uses its long beak to probe the soil for insects and worms.

Morepork (Ruru)
A small native owl, the morepork is named for its distinctive call, which echoes through the park’s forests at night. It is a stealthy predator, hunting insects and small mammals under the cover of darkness.

Nestled in the northern reaches of New Zealand’s South Island, Nelson Lakes National Park is a stunning alpine landscape featuring rugged mountains, glacial lakes, and native forests. The park is home to a variety of unique wildlife, including endemic reptiles, amphibians, and mammals that thrive in this cool and forested environment.

New Zealand Long-Tailed Bat
One of New Zealand’s only native land mammals, this small, nocturnal bat plays a crucial role in controlling insect populations. It roosts in tree hollows and caves, using echolocation to navigate through the dense beech forests.

South Island Tūtara
A living relic of the dinosaur age, this ancient reptile can be found in select areas of Nelson Lakes National Park. It prefers cool, shaded environments and can live for over 100 years.

Alpine Gecko
This cold-tolerant gecko is uniquely adapted to survive in the alpine zones of the park. It is nocturnal, feeding on insects and small invertebrates, and its skin coloration helps it blend into rocky terrain.

Nelson Green Gecko
Bright green with striking gold and blue markings, this arboreal gecko is found in the forested regions of the park. It is highly agile, using its prehensile tail to move through branches while hunting for insects.

South Island Kōura (Freshwater Crayfish)
These small freshwater crustaceans inhabit the park’s streams and lakes, playing a vital role in the aquatic ecosystem by feeding on decaying plant matter and small organisms.

Nelson Lakes Giant Wētā
A large flightless insect, the giant wētā is a relic of New Zealand’s prehistoric past. It thrives in undisturbed forested areas, where it feeds on leaves and small insects.

Southern Bell Frog
An introduced species that has established populations in wetland areas, this frog is known for its loud, bell-like call. It is often seen near lakes and streams within the park.

Common Skink
These small, fast-moving reptiles are frequently spotted basking in the sun on rocky outcrops. They primarily feed on insects and help control local insect populations.

Powelliphanta Snail
These giant carnivorous snails are unique to New Zealand and can be found in the damp forest floors of Nelson Lakes National Park. Unlike typical snails, they feed on earthworms, using their powerful radula to consume prey.

Shortfin Eel
A key species in New Zealand’s freshwater ecosystems, the shortfin eel is found in the park’s lakes and rivers. It undertakes an incredible migration to the Pacific Ocean to spawn before returning to freshwater environments.