Kiwi Life Cycle

Over millions of years, with no mammal predators, kiwi adapted to life on the ground.

They make their homes in many different environments, from snowy mountain tussock lands to coastal sand dunes, from mossy forest floors to rough farmed grasslands.

Kiwi have been described as breeding machines – they produce huge eggs with the consistency of battery hens. Take away the predators, particularly stoats and dogs, and kiwi could be successful once again.

What came first – the chick or the egg?

Adult kiwi set up a territory, prepare a nesting burrow and then mate. When the female produces her huge egg (or two), in some species only the male that incubates it. When the egg hatches, a fully feathered chick emerges to face its first few days of life.

Report Signs of Kiwi

Help kiwi researchers by reporting any kiwi sign or calls.

BNZ Operation Nest Egg

BNZ Operation Nest Egg™ is an innovative and successful programme.

Dogs and Cats

Dogs and cats are a significant problem for kiwi. Find out why, and what you can do.

Did You Know?

More than 60 community-based groups work to help protect kiwi, from Northland to Arthur’s Pass in the South Island. Together they protect about 50,000 hectares of kiwi habitat. The longest running is Project Kiwi on Coromandel Peninsula.