Westland Tai Poutini National Park

Birds

The diverse ecosystems of Westland Tai Poutini National Park provide a haven for many bird species, ranging from alpine specialists to coastal dwellers. Here are ten of the most notable birds found in the park.

Kea (Nestor notabilis)
The world’s only alpine parrot, the kea is an intelligent and mischievous bird known for its curiosity and problem-solving abilities. Its olive-green plumage, bright orange underwings, and loud calls make it a standout species in the park.

Great Spotted Kiwi (Apteryx haastii)
This nocturnal, flightless bird is an iconic New Zealand species. Found in forested areas of the park, it uses its long beak to forage for insects and worms in the leaf litter.

South Island Kōkako (Callaeas cinereus)
Believed to be extinct but occasionally reported in remote areas, the South Island kōkako was a songbird with hauntingly beautiful calls. Conservationists continue to search for signs of its survival.

Fiordland Crested Penguin (Eudyptes pachyrhynchus)
One of the rarest penguin species, these striking birds have a distinctive yellow crest and breed in dense coastal forests. They are often seen near the park’s rugged shorelines.

New Zealand Falcon (Falco novaeseelandiae)
A powerful predator, the New Zealand falcon is known for its speed and agility. It can hunt birds in flight and is often seen soaring over open landscapes.

Rifleman (Acanthisitta chloris)
New Zealand’s smallest bird, the rifleman is a tiny, fast-moving species that flits through the forest canopy in search of insects. It has a high-pitched call and is part of an ancient lineage of birds.

Morepork (Ninox novaeseelandiae)
This small, nocturnal owl gets its name from its distinctive “more-pork” call. It is an expert hunter, preying on insects, small mammals, and birds.

Tūī (Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae)
Recognizable by its iridescent plumage and white throat tufts, the tūī is a vocal and highly intelligent bird. It mimics sounds and plays a key role in pollination within the park’s forests.

Bellbird (Anthornis melanura)
A melodious songbird, the bellbird is named for its beautiful, bell-like calls. It is an important pollinator and often seen feeding on nectar from native flowers.

Oystercatcher (Haematopus unicolor & Haematopus finschi)
Both the variable and South Island pied oystercatcher can be found along the park’s coastal areas. These striking black-and-white wading birds use their strong beaks to feed on shellfish and invertebrates.

Westland Tai Poutini National Park is a haven for both native and introduced species, making it a fascinating destination for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists alike.

Popular

Westland Tai Poutini National Park is a stunning wilderness area located on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island. Known for its dramatic landscapes, the park is home to glaciers, rainforests, rugged mountains, and diverse wildlife. Below are some of the more popular species found in this unique environment.

Tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus)
Originally from the Himalayas, tahr were introduced to New Zealand for hunting purposes but have since established strong populations in the alpine regions of the park. These large, goat-like animals are known for their thick reddish-brown coats and impressive curved horns.

Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra)
Another introduced species, the chamois is a nimble, goat-antelope native to Europe. They thrive in the steep, mountainous terrain of Westland Tai Poutini and are easily recognized by their tan and black fur with distinctive facial markings.

New Zealand Fur Seal (Arctocephalus forsteri)
Often spotted along the coastal areas of the park, New Zealand fur seals are playful and social marine mammals. They have thick, waterproof fur and are excellent swimmers, often seen basking on rocky shores.

Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)
This nocturnal marsupial was introduced from Australia and has become widespread throughout New Zealand. Though they may appear cute, they are considered a pest due to their impact on native flora and fauna.

Long-tailed Bat (Chalinolobus tuberculatus)
One of New Zealand’s only native land mammals, the long-tailed bat is an elusive species found in forested areas of the park. It is a small, agile flyer that hunts insects at dusk and plays a crucial role in the ecosystem.

Kiore (Rattus exulans)
Also known as the Polynesian rat, kiore were introduced by early Māori settlers. They are small rodents with brown fur and a long tail, often found in forested areas. Their presence poses challenges for native wildlife conservation.

Southern Alps Gecko (Woodworthia “Southern Alps”)
This hardy, nocturnal gecko is well-adapted to the cold alpine environment. It has a rough, speckled appearance that helps it blend into the rocky terrain.

Westland Green Gecko (Naultinus tuberculatus)
A striking bright green gecko with golden markings, this species is endemic to the West Coast of New Zealand. It is arboreal, meaning it spends most of its time in trees and shrubs.

Giant Wētā (Deinacrida spp.)
These large, flightless insects are some of the heaviest in the world and are often compared to crickets. They are mostly nocturnal and found in forested areas of the park.

Powelliphanta Snails (Powelliphanta spp.)
These giant, carnivorous land snails are unique to New Zealand. They have beautiful, spiraled shells and feed on earthworms, playing an important role in soil health.

Birds

The diverse ecosystems of Westland Tai Poutini National Park provide a haven for many bird species, ranging from alpine specialists to coastal dwellers. Here are ten of the most notable birds found in the park.

Kea (Nestor notabilis)
The world’s only alpine parrot, the kea is an intelligent and mischievous bird known for its curiosity and problem-solving abilities. Its olive-green plumage, bright orange underwings, and loud calls make it a standout species in the park.

Great Spotted Kiwi (Apteryx haastii)
This nocturnal, flightless bird is an iconic New Zealand species. Found in forested areas of the park, it uses its long beak to forage for insects and worms in the leaf litter.

South Island Kōkako (Callaeas cinereus)
Believed to be extinct but occasionally reported in remote areas, the South Island kōkako was a songbird with hauntingly beautiful calls. Conservationists continue to search for signs of its survival.

Fiordland Crested Penguin (Eudyptes pachyrhynchus)
One of the rarest penguin species, these striking birds have a distinctive yellow crest and breed in dense coastal forests. They are often seen near the park’s rugged shorelines.

New Zealand Falcon (Falco novaeseelandiae)
A powerful predator, the New Zealand falcon is known for its speed and agility. It can hunt birds in flight and is often seen soaring over open landscapes.

Rifleman (Acanthisitta chloris)
New Zealand’s smallest bird, the rifleman is a tiny, fast-moving species that flits through the forest canopy in search of insects. It has a high-pitched call and is part of an ancient lineage of birds.

Morepork (Ninox novaeseelandiae)
This small, nocturnal owl gets its name from its distinctive “more-pork” call. It is an expert hunter, preying on insects, small mammals, and birds.

Tūī (Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae)
Recognizable by its iridescent plumage and white throat tufts, the tūī is a vocal and highly intelligent bird. It mimics sounds and plays a key role in pollination within the park’s forests.

Bellbird (Anthornis melanura)
A melodious songbird, the bellbird is named for its beautiful, bell-like calls. It is an important pollinator and often seen feeding on nectar from native flowers.

Oystercatcher (Haematopus unicolor & Haematopus finschi)
Both the variable and South Island pied oystercatcher can be found along the park’s coastal areas. These striking black-and-white wading birds use their strong beaks to feed on shellfish and invertebrates.

Westland Tai Poutini National Park is a haven for both native and introduced species, making it a fascinating destination for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists alike.