Distribution of Kiwi Species

Distribution of Kiwi Species

• North Island brown kiwi are the most widely distributed, with around 25,000 individuals spread across Northland, Coromandel and the central North Island.
• Rowi are the rarest kiwi species, with about 350 birds confined to the Okarito forest on the West Coast of the South Island.
• Tokoeka are found on Stewart Island, Fiordland, and the mountain ranges at Haast on the West Coast of the South Island.  Four distinct varieties are recognised, divided by their genetics and geography.
• Great spotted kiwi are found in northwest Nelson, the Paparoa Ranges, and Arthurs Pass, in the northwest of the South Island.  They are the largest kiwi species, standing about 45 cm tall.
• Little spotted kiwi were once widespread throughout the North and South Islands of New Zealand, but today are mostly confined to offshore island sanctuaries.  The largest population of around 1200 birds exists on Kapiti Island, north of Wellington.  They are the smallest kiwi species, standing around 25 cm tall.