Wildlife

As Rotoroa's ecosystems recover, they attract native species from neighbouring islands and become safe sanctuaries for endangered birds relocated from across New Zealand.

Rotoroa's very special inhabitants

Takahē

Kiwi

Pāteke/brown teal

Tīeke/Saddleback

Pōpokotea/whitehead

Photo by James Gow

Takahē

For 50 years we thought they were extinct, South Island takahē were rediscovered in 1948 in a remote Fiordland valley. This is a survival story like no other as now their numbers are growing and takahē are returning to the wild.

Learn More

Kiwi

Kiwi is an iconic NZ native species and left in the wild has about 5% survival rate; as a predator-free island, we're honoured to have a role as a crèche location, which brings the survival rate to 50-60%.

Learn More

Pāteke/brown teal

Pāteke are among New Zealand's most endangered birds, so we’re so privileged to have two breeding pairs at home on Rotoroa Island.

Learn More

Photo by Hakan Nedjat

Tīeke/Saddleback

Tīeke, or saddleback, are one of Aotearoa’s great conservation success stories — once pushed to the brink, now steadily recovering thanks to predator-free sanctuaries. Their bold black plumage, chestnut “saddle,” and loud, musical calls make them easy to recognise as they move through Rotoroa’s ngahere/forest. Although still considered rare, tīeke are thriving here, and their presence is a powerful indication of what protected habitats can achieve.

Photo by James Gow

Pōpokotea/whitehead

Pōpokotea/whitehead, are small, energetic birds that move through the canopy in lively flocks, their bright calls carrying across the island. Once common across the upper North Island, they disappeared from many places due to introduced predators but thrive on Rotoroa’s predator-free sanctuary.