Tokoweka: North Island Brown Kiwi

The Bold Explorer

The North Island brown kiwi is curious and surprisingly bold, often sniffing out new scents and exploring its surroundings. Using its long beak and incredible sense of smell, it searches beneath the forest floor for insects and worms.

A true Kiwi icon, it’s deeply connected to Aotearoa and Māori culture and protecting it means protecting the wild places it calls home.

North Island Brown Facts

Found In

New Zealand

North Island Brown Kiwi are only found throughout parts of the North Island of New Zealand, particularly in native forests, scrublands, and some protected reserves.

Habitat

Native

They live in native forests, regenerating bush, farmland edges, and scrub, preferring areas with dense ground cover for shelter during the day.

Diet

Omnivore

They are omnivores, feeding mainly on earthworms, insects, spiders, and other invertebrates, as well as some seeds and berries.

Behaviour

Nocturnal

North Island Brown Kiwi are nocturnal and territorial, active at night when they forage. Pairs often bond for life and defend their territory through loud, distinctive calls.

Size

40-50 cm

Adults stand about 40–50 cm tall and weigh 2–3.5 kg, with females typically larger than males.

Life Span

30-40 years

They can live 30–40 years in the wild when protected from predators.

Conservation Status

At Risk

Classified as At Risk – Declining, introduced predators such as stoats, dogs, and ferrets pose the greatest threat. Predator control and community conservation programmes essential to their survival.

Willowbank Location

Kiwi House

Allow your eyes time to adjust to the low light when visiting our nocturnal kiwi house in the natives area of the Reserve. Photography is not permitted inside the Kiwi Nocturnal House.