About the Bird

The kiwi is a biological oddity and full of character. More than any other native animal, they are entwined in our identity as New Zealanders.

It is unthinkable that kiwi should be allowed to disappear – the world would lose an intriguing bird genetically unchanged for millions of years.

Saving kiwi brings communities together, creates employment and helps restore native forests where many other native species also live, and therefore also benefit.

Trust-supported restoration plantings also help lock carbon away, improve air and water quality, prevent erosion, and build healthy soils – the list goes on.

It’s win–win all the way.

In this section…

New Zealand’s Icon

How kiwi came to be New Zealand’s unofficial icon – it may all be thanks to shoe polish.

Kiwi Characteristics

Small, flightless and largely nocturnal, the kiwi’s characteristics make it unique in the bird world.

The Kiwi Family

Five formal kiwi species have been identified. But it’s not that simple – find out why.

Kiwi Life Cycle

Kiwi chicks emerge as fully feathered mini adults, and can live for 60 years. Find out about the kiwi life cycle.

Threats

Kiwi face many threats on the New Zealand mainland.

Kiwi & Maori

The connection between Maori and kiwi is long-standing and strong.

NZ's Biodiversity

New Zealand is a biological Ark, with many special species. It began many millions of years ago…

Kiwi Protection & Info

Find out what you need to know to help protect kiwi.

Advocacy

To help save kiwi, people need to understand the problem, and care enough to do something to help.

Did You Know?

The average incubation time for a kiwi egg is 70-80 days, more than double other birds and about the same as the gestation period of a similar sized mammal.