Canterbury & Christchurch

Kiwi habitat, and, a ranger checking out a kiwi burrow

In the Canterbury region, two community-led kiwi groups are under way.

This site introduces one that receives money from BNZ Save the Kiwi Trust, and it also introduces an innovative education programme developed by a leading Christchurch-based fashion brand:

Kiwi species

The Arthur’s Pass community group works to help save great spotted kiwi.

Kiwi sanctuaries and mainland islands

Canterbury is close to two of the Department of Conservation’s five kiwi sanctuaries – at Okarito and at Haast.

One of the Department’s six mainland islands is in north Canterbury – Hurunui. Mainland islands are places where introduced pests are intensively managed to help protect kiwi.

Seeing kiwi

There are several opportunities to see captive kiwi at the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, Orana Park and the Southern Encounter Aquarium.

The nearest opportunity to possibly see wild kiwi are the Okarito and Haast kiwi sanctuaries or by joining Okarito Kiwi Tours.

You may also see kiwi if you volunteer to help the Arthur’s Pass community project.

Habitat Protection

Protecting places kiwi live is very important.

Start/Maintain a Project

Starting and Maintaining a Community Project

Learn how to set goals, manage your project well and find funding.

Kiwi Sanctuaries

Five Department of Conservation sanctuaries help ensure the survival of kiwi.

Did You Know?

Most kiwi are strictly night-time birds. The main reason is food – when the sun goes down, underground insects move up closer to the soil’s surface. Southern tokoeka, on Stewart Island/Rakiura, are the exception.