Flora & Fauna
The parks flora & fauna is made up of a fantastic array of New Zealand native forest & plants, birds and marine mammals
Lush, subtropical native rainforest, playful New Zealand fur seals and a startling array of birdlife make up the the Abel Tasman flora & fauna.
The Park’s flora is largely made up of native New Zealand beech forest. Throughout the Park, the subtropical native forest is regenerating at an accelerated rate due to the eradication of wilding pines and other unwelcome plant pests.
The Park’s fauna is largely made up of native birds and mammals. The Abel Tasman National Park’s native birdlife is growing in numbers and variety due largely to the conservation efforts that have been made over the past 15 or so years. The birdsong throughout the park, but particularly in areas where predator numbers have been controlled such as on Adele Island, can be awe-inspiring. Much of this is due to the efforts of conservation projects such as Abel Tasman Birdsong Trust and Project Janszoon.
Seal colonies scattered throughout the Abel Tasman National Park coastline. Pods of dolphins are regular visitors to the waters along the Abel Tasman, and small pods of Orca sometimes make a welcome appearance. The Tonga Marine Reserve, which stretches northward from Bark Bay to Awaroa, is helping marine creatures flourish both within and outside of the Reserve.
Bird Life in the Park
Weka
Weka are the most common flightless bird in the Park, can sometimes be mistaken by the uninitiated for Kiwi. These sturdy brown birds are also known as woodhen and can be seen scavenging for food around camp sites. Weka have an extremely funky walking motion, the imitation of which can result in hours of fun. Their necks bob forward as they walk, then they will stop to gaze from side to side before resuming the neck bobbing.
Pārekareka – Spotted Shags
Shags (Aka Cormorants) roost in trees but can be found along the beaches and rocky foreshores of the park. Tree roosting is relatively unusual for web-footed birds, and is only shared by Pelicans, Frigate Birds and Boobies. Shag fledglings that have fallen from the nest but are unable to return can often be seen at Split Apple Rock. These are often mistaken by the unwary for penguins!
Kororā -Little Blue Penguins
The little blue penguin is the world’s smallest and the only penguin species found in the Park. Like all penguins, they nest on land, in burrows often on rocky headlands. They spend their days at sea foraging for small fish, squid and larvae, individually or in small groups. Kororā congregate in rafts close to shore at dusk and after calling to each other, come ashore each night. The main rookeries are thought to be on the outside of Adele and Fisherman Islands.
Oystercatchers
Oystercatchers will often be encountered on the beaches of the Abel Tasman. Although they breed inland they can be found feeding and chasing visitors along beaches to protect their young.
Fluttering Shearwaters
One of the most common seabirds found along the coastline in late summer and winter. They can be seen either ravenously feeding around Kahawai schools on baitfish and crustaceans, or resting in rafts of hundreds or even thousands. It is thought that pre-breeding birds migrate across the Tasman, spending February to August on the South East coast of Australia. The nearest colonies are on Trio and Long Islands in the Marlborough Sounds.
Pīwakawaka – Fantail
Fantails are known for their friendly ‘cheet cheet’ call and their flitting-style energetic flying antics. These are one of the most common and widely distributed native birds on the New Zealand mainland. It is easily recognised by its long tail which opens to a fan. Old outdoor types will tell you stories about how Fantails are the guardians of the bush and have been known to throw themselves onto burning matches to prevent forest fires!
Kōtuku – White Heron
If you are travelling near the estuaries or coastal marshlands in the Abel Tasman then you may be lucky enough to catch sight of the elegant kōtuku, or white heron.
The white heron is rare in New Zealand, with a small population of only 150 – 200 individuals. New Zealand’s sole breeding colony is on the Waitangiroto River, near the Ōkārito Lagoon on the West Coast of the South Island.
Pukeko
The pukeko, a striking native bird of New Zealand, thrives in the lush wetlands of the Abel Tasman region. With their vibrant blue feathers, red beaks, and long legs, pukeko are a delightful sight, often seen foraging along the edges of marshes and grassy areas. Known for their curious and social behavior, these birds are often spotted in small groups, pecking for roots, insects, and small plants.
Pererū / Banded Rail
The Banded Rail (Gallirallus philippensis), is a shy yet beautiful bird found in the tidal estuaries and wetland areas of Abel Tasman. With distinct dark bands across its chest and a blend of rich brown and grey plumage, this elusive bird is well-camouflaged in its marshy surroundings. While it can be difficult to spot, the Branded Rail can be seen quietly foraging along the shoreline at low tide, feeding on small invertebrates, insects, and seeds.
Korimako – Bellbird
The New Zealand Bellbird, or korimako, is a cherished songbird found in the forests of Abel Tasman. Known for its enchanting, melodic song that echoes through the native bush, the Bellbird plays an essential role in pollination as it feeds on nectar from flowering plants like kōwhai, flax, and fuchsia. Its olive-green feathers and red eyes make it a distinctive presence among the treetops, where it can often be heard before it’s seen. The Bellbird’s beautiful calls contribute to the rich soundscape of Abel Tasman.
Kererū – NZ Pigeon
The Kererū, New Zealand’s native wood pigeon, is a striking bird that can be seen gliding through the forests of Abel Tasman. With its iridescent green and purple feathers and pure white chest, the Kererū is not only beautiful but also vital for the ecosystem. It is one of the few birds capable of swallowing large native fruits whole, such as those from the miro, tawa, and karaka trees. This makes the Kererū an essential seed disperser, helping native forests to regenerate.
Tīeke – Saddleback
The Saddleback, or tīeke, is a rare and charismatic bird found in select areas of New Zealand, including predator-free islands near Abel Tasman. Recognizable by its unique chestnut “saddle” marking across its back and its black plumage, the Saddleback is a lively presence in native forests. Known for its loud, varied calls and territorial nature, it adds a unique sound to the birdlife chorus. Conservation efforts have been crucial in bringing the Saddleback back from the brink of extinction.
Tūī
The Tūī is one of New Zealand’s most iconic birds, often seen and heard in the forests of Abel Tasman. Known for its iridescent blue-green feathers and distinctive white throat tufts, the Tūī is as striking in appearance as it is in voice. This highly skilled mimic has a unique, complex song made up of clicks, whistles, and bell-like notes that fill the forest canopy. The Tūī is an important pollinator, feeding on nectar from native plants like kōwhai, pōhutukawa, and flax, and helping to sustain the health of the forest. Its captivating calls and energetic presence bring a lively atmosphere to Abel Tasman’s natural landscapes.
Kākā
The Kākā, a native New Zealand forest parrot, is a rare yet delightful sight in the forests of Abel Tasman. With its olive-brown feathers, flashes of crimson under the wings, and strong, curved beak, the Kākā is a striking and charismatic bird. Known for its playful personality, this social parrot is often heard chattering and calling out with a variety of squawks and whistles. Kākā feed on nectar, fruits, seeds, and insects, using their strong beaks to pry open bark and forage. Conservation efforts are helping to restore Kākā populations in protected areas.
Kākāriki
The Kākāriki, or New Zealand parakeet, is a bright and energetic bird found in pockets of native bush, including areas near Abel Tasman. With its vibrant green plumage, red crown, and swift flight, the Kākāriki adds a burst of color to the forest. Known for its playful and curious nature, it can often be seen darting through the trees in small flocks, foraging for seeds, fruits, and insects. The Kākāriki’s lively calls and cheerful presence make it a cherished sight in the wild, and conservation efforts are helping to ensure these charming parakeets continue to thrive in protected habitats across New Zealand.
Tākapu – Gannet
The Tākapu, also known as the Australasian gannet, is a remarkable seabird that frequents the coastal waters around New Zealand, including the Abel Tasman region. Recognizable by its white body, golden crown, and sleek black wingtips, the Tākapu is an expert diver. It soars above the ocean, then dramatically plunges into the water to catch fish with impressive precision. The Tākapu’s graceful aerial displays and remarkable hunting skills make it a memorable sight along New Zealand’s coastal landscapes.
Toutouwai – Robin
The Toutouwai, or South Island robin, is a small and curious forest bird found in the woodlands of Abel Tasman. With its soft grey-brown plumage and white belly, the Toutouwai is often seen flitting about the forest floor, hunting for insects and small invertebrates. Known for its bold and friendly nature, it often approaches humans, allowing for close encounters. The Toutouwai plays a key role in maintaining the health of the ecosystem by helping to control insect populations. Its inquisitive character and gentle song add to the charm of New Zealand’s native forests, making it a beloved part of the region’s wildlife
Pāteke – Brown Teal
The Pāteke, or Brown Teal, is a rare and endangered duck species that can be found in the wetlands and coastal areas of New Zealand, including parts of the Abel Tasman region. Characterised by its mottled brown feathers, the Pāteke is a small, quiet bird that is can be seen foraging in shallow waters for invertebrates, plants, and seeds. Known for its secretive behavior, it prefers dense, sheltered habitats such as reed beds and forests near water. Conservation efforts have been crucial in protecting the Pāteke, and its presence in predator-free environments is a hopeful sign of the species’ recovery in New Zealand’s native ecosystems.
Whio – Blue Duck
The Whio, or Blue Duck, is a distinctive and endangered bird found in fast-flowing rivers and streams including some areas of the Abel Tasman region. With its striking blue-grey plumage, white throat, and strong, powerful bill, the Whio is perfectly adapted to life in the wild, where it navigates the turbulent waters with ease. This duck is an excellent swimmer, feeding on aquatic insects, plants, and small invertebrates. Found only in New Zealand the Whio’s elusive nature and preference for remote, pristine environments make it a rare sight, but conservation efforts are helping to protect its habitat and ensure its survival in New Zealand’s waterways.
Flora & Plant Life
Beech
Hard Beech and Black Beech are the two most common forest species in the park. Beeches are an attractive tree and their picturesque canopies create wonderful shapes along the rocky coast.
Ferns
We New Zealanders are so enamoured with our ferns that we tend to put their emblem everywhere, on rugby jerseys and the like, and on a multitude of brands. Having said that, in 2016 New Zealanders did vote against putting it on our national flag! The ferns in the park range from giant trees 20m tall with fronds 5m long to minute ferns just 1 cm tall. The Silver Fern (Ponga) is our national emblem.
Mānuka and Kānuka
Mānuka and Kānuka are two of the most common plants in New Zealand. They are often linked as one species, but in fact are in different genera and usually grow in different habitats. They are similar in being able to regenerate through grassland on lightly grazed hillsides and hence have the reputation as weeds. Ecologically, however, they are important early stages in forest regeneration and are very important bird, lizard and insect habitats as well. Because they are aromatic they both burn very easily.
Rātā
Rātā are more common in the northern part of the park where it grows into large trees. Rātā flower spectacularly every few years, covering the canopy briefly in red and providing huge supplies of nectar for birds.
Abel Tasman Marine Mammals
New Zealand Fur Seals
You are bound to encounter New Zealand fur seals during your visit to the Abel Tasman. The largest seal colonies are at Tonga and Shag Harbour in the north of the park and the relatively new hang-out spot at the northern end of Adele Island in the Astrolabe Roadstead. They love to sunbathe but are often hard to spot because they’re camouflaged against the grey granite boulders on which they are laying.
Technically, these are ‘Eared Seals’: fin-footed carnivorous marine mammals distinguished by visible external ears and hind flippers which rotate forward. Adult females grow to a maximum length of 1.5m, and weigh 30-50kg. Adult males grow to a maximum length of 2.5m and weigh 90-150 kg.
Seal pups are famously playful and curious. Male bull seals are notoriously grumpy and move surprisingly swiftly given their massive weight and size. Luckily, they are not adept at climbing trees and they give up chasing if you can move swiftly enough for long enough.
Orca
Orca are the largest of all dolphins and unmistakable in black and white. They have large paddle shaped flippers, with the male dorsal fin much larger than the smaller females. They are the most widely distributed of all mammals in the world. Orca are generally found in deeper areas, but can make forays into shallow waters and inlets.
They form tight family groups, and the New Zealand population of which there are thought to be less than 200 individuals are separated into a North Island, a South Island and a transient group ranging between islands. It is uncertain what population our visitors to the Park come from. At the top of the marine food web, they are generalist predators, feeding on a great many species from whales, other dolphins, seals, sharks, rays, large fish and more. They appear to be feeding on rays when in the shallow Abel Tasman waters.
Bottlenose Dolphin
Bottlenose Dolphins are a large light grey dolphin that grows up to 4m in length with a pronounced beak and large hooked dorsal fin.
The ones seen in the park are thought to be from the Marlborough – Westport group. Other coastal groups are around the Bay of Islands area and a small group exists in Doubtful Sound.
Dusky Dolphins
Dusky Dolphins are a small dolphin growing to around 2m long. They are a bluish black and white with a blunt dorsal fin. They are only found in the southern hemisphere, off South America, South West Africa and New Zealand.
Our populations only tend to be south off East Cape, with strongholds in Kaikoura and Admiralty Bay in the Marlborough Sounds. Often seen in the Park during autumn and winter in pods of up to 20, they are typically a coastal species.
New Zealand Common Dolphins
New Zealand Common Dolphins are a medium sized yellowish beige and grey dolphin with short beaks. Long beaked commons prefer tropical water. Common Dolphins are the most numerous dolphins in the warm, temperate waters of the Atlantic and Pacific.
They can be observed in pods of thousands feeding offshore. They can be seen in the Abel Tasman during the warmer months and tend to head offshore in winter.
