38 New Arrivals: A Remarkable Breeding Season at Otorohanga Kiwi House

The 2025/26 breeding season at Ōtorohanga Kiwi House has been an outstanding success, with 38 endangered native animals hatching across the park. This remarkable season highlights the vital role Ōtorohanga Kiwi House plays in native wildlife conservation, endangered species breeding programmes, and protecting Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique biodiversity.

From rare birds to critically endangered insects, each hatchling represents hope for the future. Here’s a closer look at the newest residents welcomed this year at Ōtorohanga Kiwi House.

🦉 Ruru(Morepork)

Our ruru pair, Ruru Blue and Striker, successfully raised a chick this season. The young ruru is growing well and, while still covered in fluffy down, is already exploring the enclosure floor. Watching this nocturnal native bird develop is always a highlight for visitors and staff alike.

🐦 Oystercatchers

Tiwha and Snow welcomed two healthy oystercatcher chicks this year. Both chicks are thriving, and we’re eagerly waiting to see what their adult plumage will look like. Will they be black, white, or display the classic mixed colouring of New Zealand oystercatchers? Only time will tell.

🎶Bellbirds (Korimako)

Our new bellbird (korimako) pair wasted no time settling into their enclosure at Ōtorohanga Kiwi House, producing three strong chicks after only a couple of months. Bellbirds grow incredibly quickly, taking just 14 days from hatching to develop adult feathers, meaning visitors will soon spot them flying confidently around their enclosure.

🦆 Pāteke / Brown Teal – Breed for Release Programme

Ōtorohanga Kiwi House’s pāteke (brown teal) breed-for-release programme was another major success this season. Two breeding pairs produced 11 ducklings, all of which are destined for release into the wild, not transfer to another zoo.

With only 2,000–3,000 pāteke remaining in New Zealand, every duckling is critical to the recovery of this nationally vulnerable species. These ducklings will help strengthen wild populations and ensure a future for pāteke in Aotearoa.

🦗 Mahoenui Giant Wētā

The Mahoenui giant wētā breeding programme started early this season, with the first hatchling emerging on 29 January, followed by 10 more to date. We estimate that 300–400 giant wētā may hatch this year.

All of these wētā will be released into the wild, supporting conservation efforts for one of New Zealand’s most iconic and critically endangered invertebrates.

🦜 Kākā

Our experienced kākā parents, Raki and Toki, surpassed expectations this season by raising four kākā chicks, breaking their usual record of two to three.

The first three chicks hatched on 21 December, with a fourth arriving on Boxing Day, like a late Christmas gift. Although the youngest chick is slightly smaller, it’s feeding well, with parents working hard to keep all four hungry beaks full. Like our pāteke and wētā, these kākā chicks are destined for release into the wild.

More breeding to Come at Ōtorohanga Kiwi House

While this has already been an incredible breeding season, it’s not over yet. Many more giant wētā are still expected to hatch, and there may even be a kiwi chick arriving in the next month or two.

Ōtorohanga Kiwi House remains committed to native species conservation, breeding

endangered wildlife, and giving visitors a unique opportunity to connect with New Zealand’s taonga species.

Stay tuned for more updates from Ōtorohanga Kiwi House – the home of the kiwi. 💚