Rowi: Ōkārito Brown Kiwi

Shy Forest Dweller

Shy and rarely seen, the rowi kiwi slips quietly through dense forest at night, foraging for insects and helping keep its ecosystem in balance.

One of our most endangered taonga, it relies on dedicated conservation to protect and grow its wild populations.

Rowi facts

Found In

Ōkārito

Rowi are found in the Ōkārito forest on the West Coast of the South Island, with carefully managed populations in predator-free sanctuaries supporting recovery.

Habitat

Dense Forest

They prefer dense native forests and regenerating bush, where thick ground cover provides shelter and protection from predators.

Diet

Omnivore

Rowi are omnivores, feeding mainly on earthworms, insects, and other invertebrates, supplemented with occasional berries.

Behaviour

Nocturnal, shy, and territorial.

They are nocturnal, shy, and territorial, often foraging alone or in bonded pairs. Their soft calls help maintain territories and communicate with nearby kiwi.

Size

45-50 cm

Adults measure about 45–50 cm tall and weigh 2.3–3.9 kg, similar in size to the Great Spotted Kiwi.

Life Span

25-50 years

They can live 25–50 years in the wild when protected from predators.

Conservation Status

Critical

Rowi are classified as Nationally Critical. Intensive predator control, egg collection, and hatching programmes have helped stabilize and slowly increase their numbers, making them one of New Zealand’s most carefully managed kiwi species.

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.