Kiwi pukupuku
Little Spotted Kiwi
Apteryx owenii
Their Story
The arrival of kiwi pukupuku at Brook Waimārama Sanctuary marks a major conservation milestone. In May 2025, 41 kiwi were successfully translocated — the first time in over a century that this taonga species has roamed free in the Nelson region. Since then, their calls have echoed through the valley after dark.
The best way to get a chance to see a kiwi bird in Nelson is on one of our Night Tours – you’re almost guaranteed to hear them calling to each other and if you’re lucky might catch sight of one foraging in the bush (see the video below of one tour attendee’s exciting discovery!)
Conservation Status
Endemic – Nationally Increasing
Endemic to New Zealand, this smallest of the kiwi species is found mainly on offshore islands (particularly Kapiti Island where the Sanctuary birds were translocated from) and mainland sanctuaries. A small remnant population was discovered in South Westland in late 2025 with chicks sighted in early 2026.
Population
The population of kiwi pukupuku is estimated at around 2,000 to 2,100 individuals. Kapiti Island has around 1200 kiwi, with the rest on other pest-free islands and sanctuaries. Recently, a small mainland population was discovered in South Westland with less than a dozen adults. The Sanctuary hosts a small growing population with the capacity to hold around 300 kiwi
Voice
Male gives a high-pitched ascending whistle, female gives a slower and lower pitched ascending trill; both sexes repeat calls 25-35 times per sequence.
Food
Little spotted kiwi eat mostly small invertebrates, especially earthworms; larvae of beetles, cicadas, flies and moths; spiders, adult beetles and some small fallen fruit and leaves.
Kiwi pukupuku are the smallest of New Zealand’s five kiwi species, standing about 25 cm tall and weighing around 1.3 kg. Their soft grey-striped feathers resemble fur, and they have long, pale beaks with nostrils at the tip — giving them an excellent sense of smell. Both sexes look alike, though females are larger with longer bills.
Nocturnal, kiwi pukupuku emerge after dusk to forage for earthworms, beetles, larvae, and other invertebrates. They use their sensitive beaks to probe the soil and leaf litter. Their presence is often revealed by the sound of rustling, loud calls, or footprints left in damp earth.
Kiwi pukupuku form lifelong pairs and defend small territories of a minimum of three hectares. Females lay one to two large eggs per clutch, incubated by the male for 65–75 days. Chicks hatch fully feathered and independent, though they remain near the burrow for several days. The maximum lifespan is uncertain, but kiwi pukupuku can live for 40–50 years.
Once widespread across much of Aotearoa, kiwi pukupuku almost disappeared completely from the mainland by the early 1900s due to predation by stoats, dogs, and cats. They now survive on a handful of pest-free islands and sanctuaries. The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary provides the only secure mainland habitat for them in Te Waka A Māui (the South Island).
Classified as Threatened – Nationally Increasing, kiwi pukupuku rely entirely on pest-free refuges. Larger kiwi when at a certain size are resistant to predation from stoats. Kiwi pukupuku however, remain vulnerable to stoats even as adults, and are especially vulnerable to dogs. Long-term success depends on maintaining pest-free status of sanctuaries and islands, establishing new populations and maintaining genetic diversity
In partnership with Ngāti Toa, Forty-one kiwi pukupuku were released in May 2025, establishing the Sanctuary’s founding population. Their nightly calls are now a treasured part of the Brook soundscape, and lucky visitors can occasionally spot them on guided night tours. With continued pest-free conditions, this population is expected to grow to over 300 birds.
Kiwi pukupuku were the first kiwi species successfully translocated to predator-free islands.
Our other residents
Check out some of the other incredible wildlife that call the Sanctuary home
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🌿 Discover something truly special at Brook Waimārama Sanctuary
The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary is the South Island’s largest fully fenced sanctuary for endangered plants and animals, with 14.3km of pest-proof fencing protecting 690 hectares of precious native forest.
Our thriving Sanctuary supports the return of rare and threatened species like kākāriki karaka (orange-fronted parakeet), Powelliphanta snails, tuatara, kiwi pukupuku, and the recently arrived kākā.
Bursting with native life that delights and surprises, it’s a place where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of Aotearoa New Zealand’s bush, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the land and its mauri (life force) with 15kms of public tracks to explore.
✨ Our Vision: to be a nationally-recognised eco-sanctuary known for its leading conservation practices – a place where wildlife, education, and research thrive together.
👉 Plan your visit, support conservation, or get involved today, every step helps protect this incredible sanctuary for future generations.
@nelsontasmannz @nelsoncitycouncil
#brookwaimāramasanctuary #nelsontasman #nature #newzealand
Apr 20
𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞. 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 🍃
Gather at The Beech Glade classroom, within the beautiful Brook Waimārama Sanctuary, for a gentle and grounding hour of guided meditation in nature.
This session weaves together simple seated and walking practices designed to help focus and quieten the mind, supporting a deeper experience of presence and awareness. Surrounded by the sounds and stillness of the natural world, you’ll be invited to slow down, reconnect, and come home to Presence.
🌳 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧: 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month (starting 10th May), 9:00–10:00am
💦 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞: Meet at The Glade (please arrive 15 mins early to allow time to walk in)
🔥 𝐊𝐨𝐡𝐚: $5–$10 donation, paid in cash directly to meditation teacher
🍃 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: Not required, just turn up to the session.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠:
➡️Something comfortable to sit on such as a cushion or folded blanket (There are some plastic chairs and wooden benches available. If you wish to sit on the floor you may wish to bring a yoga mat as well)
➡️A blanket to keep warm
➡️Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing
𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐖𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐚 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲:
🌳Sanctuary Members: Free of charge as per annual membership
🌳Non-Sanctuary Members: Early-bird special of $10 per adult (This provides an opportunity for guests/visitors to explore after the session)
All are welcome—whether you’re new to meditation or have an established practice.
#MindfulnessInNature #GuidedMeditation #NatureMeditation #ForestBathing
#PresencePractice #brookwaimāramasanctuary
Apr 18
There’s something special about spotting a ruru (morepork) in the quiet of Brook Waimārama Sanctuary 🌿
These striking moments were captured by photographer Chris Bernard while exploring the Sanctuary. Ruru are often heard and occasionally seen on our guided night tours.
Ruru are known for their iconic “more-pork” call, heard throughout the night, as well as a repetitive “quork-quork”, a rising “quee” call often mistaken for kiwi, and a yelping call similar to that of the little owl. 🦉✨
Learn more about ruru on our website:
🔗www.brooksanctuary.org.nz/nature-wildlife/ruru
@chrisbernard1520
#ruru #nelsontasmannz #brookwaimaramasanctuary #birdsnz
Apr 14
A rare and special sighting on one of our night tours — a kiwi pukupuku out exploring under the cover of darkness 🌙
Our night tours have been incredibly popular, with many groups hearing kiwi calls throughout the sanctuary, and on lucky nights, even spotting one in the wild like this.
We currently have limited spaces available for this Saturday and Monday night tours.
Don’t miss your chance to experience the sanctuary after dark — it’s something truly unforgettable.
Thanks to the team @mdoutdoorsnz for the new head torches.
Book now to secure your spot. 🎟
@nelsontasmannz
#kiwi #kiwipukupuku #wildlifeNZ #nzwildlife #conservation #sanctuary #nighttour #naturelovers
Apr 8
Rain doesn’t stop nature… it awakens it 🌧️🌿
At Brook Waimārama Sanctuary, wet weather brings the forest to life — leaves glisten, streams flow stronger, and the sounds of birds echo through the valley. It’s a different kind of magic.
Reconnect with nature, slow down, and experience the sanctuary in its most vibrant state.
Don’t wait for sunshine — some of the best moments happen in the rain. @nelsontasmannz
#brookwaimarama #ReconnectWithNature #RainyDayMagic #NelsonNZ #natureescape
Apr 8
🌿🐾 We’re OPEN today! 🐾🌿
Looking for something fun to do this Easter Monday? Come on out to Brook Waimārama Sanctuary and dive into nature! 🌞
Wander our beautiful tracks, listen for birdsong, and see what you can discover along the way. It’s the perfect excuse to get outside, stretch your legs, and enjoy a little adventure.
Fresh air, native wildlife, and good vibes are waiting… see you soon! 💚
Apr 5
