New Zealand is home to beaches, volcanoes, and endemic wildlife, including birds. Here are 3 penguins that live and breed on the main islands of New Zealand.
The more I learn about the natural world of New Zealand, the more I’m amazed by it. I’ve hiked mountains, walked along beaches, and looked for native birds all over the country. Last summer I ventured down to the South Island and saw yellow eyed penguins on the Otago Peninsula. That was a very special wildlife encounter. However, only recently did I become aware of the many species of penguins in New Zealand.
How Many Species Of Penguins Live In New Zealand?
The Department of Conservation website states that 13 of the 18 species of penguins in the world have been recorded in New Zealand. That is more species in one country than anywhere else in the world!
That doesn’t mean that they all breed here. 9 species of penguin do breed in New Zealand, but only 3 of them are located on the main islands (North, South and Stewart). The other 6 species breed on the numerous offshore islands, many of which are located far to the south of the main islands.
3 Common Penguins Of New Zealand
Little Penguin or Little Blue Penguin
Little penguin, korora, is the world’s smallest penguin at about 25 cm tall and 1 kg. Korora used to be common throughout the coasts of New Zealand.
Unfortunately, predators have now reduced them to offshore islands and a few protected areas on the main islands. They can be seen at predator free islands, such as Matiu-Somes Island.
Hoiho – Yellow Eyed Penguin
The yellow eyed penguin lives and breeds on the South Island. Unfortunately, like many native species, it is declining and is under threat of extinction. It’s population is estimated between 5,000 – 10,000. Read more about the yellow eyed penguin here.
The Hoiho was voted as the bird of the year for 2019!
Fiordland Crested Penguin
This penguin, tawaki, is the rarest of the three species that breed on the main islands of New Zealand. It’s endemic, meaning it lives nowhere else in the world. They can be seen in the Fiordland area of the south-west coast of the South Island.
Similar to the other penguins, it’s population is declining and it’s under threat of extinction. It’s population is estimated at between 2,000 – 3,000.