Auckland Zoo's photostream

Wetlands are one of New Zealand's most incredible habitats, yet they are also one of the most forgotten. Over 90 per cent of them have been lost since humankind reached these shores, and many people are oblivious to their importance or the life they support.

Te Wao Nui's The Wetlands (Ngā Repo) recreates one of these special habitats. A towering waterfall cascades down the rock face, flowing into a pool that will be home to many of New Zealand's unique wading birds. Plant species, instantly recognisable to many will also feature here; from flax to manuka to kahikatea and the cabbage tree.

This habitat focuses on unveiling a world that many visitors will not recognise. Within this world, the mysterious underwater life of eels will be brought into view. Often misunderstood, but with an important role in the environment, the eel is the perfect icon for New Zealand's wetlands.

Some species in The Wetlands: Long-finned eel, pateke (brown teal), NZ scaup

www.aucklandzoo.co.nz/whats-happening/te-wao-nui.aspx

© Auckland Zoo

Wetlands are one of New Zealand's most incredible habitats, yet they are also one of the most forgotten. Over 90 per cent of them have been lost since humankind reached these shores, and many people are oblivious to their importance or the life they support.

Te Wao Nui's The Wetlands (Ngā Repo) recreates one of these special habitats. A towering waterfall cascades down the rock face, flowing into a pool that will be home to many of New Zealand's unique wading birds. Plant species, instantly recognisable to many will also feature here; from flax to manuka to kahikatea and the cabbage tree.

This habitat focuses on unveiling a world that many visitors will not recognise. Within this world, the mysterious underwater life of eels will be brought into view. Often misunderstood, but with an important role in the environment, the eel is the perfect icon for New Zealand's wetlands.

Some species in The Wetlands: Long-finned eel, pateke (brown teal), NZ scaup

www.aucklandzoo.co.nz/whats-happening/te-wao-nui.aspx

© Auckland Zoo

New Zealand is a land defined by many colour palettes, but that of the South Island's high country is one of the most iconic. The shades of grey that resonate through the schist rock and the dull greens and mustard yellows of the tussocks are contrasted in the bold wings of the birds that live here.

The High Country (Whenua Waotū) represents all these elements in Te Wao Nui, and gives visitors the chance to come face-to-face with its most famous resident, the kea. The streams throughout this habitat are the ideal home for whio (blue duck), whose sole habitat is New Zealand's fast flowing streams.

Like many animals in Te Wao Nui, the species seen in The High Country have developed their unique characteristics over centuries of isolation. As humankind continues to explore and move into their habitats, it is important that we act as kaitiaki (guardians) for these species and habitats.

Some species in The High Country: Kea, whio (blue duck), weka

www.aucklandzoo.co.nz/whats-happening/te-wao-nui.aspx

© Auckland Zoo

Rugged, windswept and teeming with life, New Zealand's 15,000km coastline is the world's 10th longest. New Zealand's isolated location is ideal for marine life; with deep oceans rich in food and scattered islands that offer a respite from global migrations. These migrations are some of nature's greatest stories, and these stories have become part of our culture.

In Te Wao Nui, The Coast (Takutai) represents New Zealand's iconic coastal habitat. Throughout this habitat, the unique plants of the coast grow amongst the dunes and rocks, while little blue penguins and New Zealand fur seals explore the waters. The human influence is evident through a boatshed that illustrates our strong connection with nature and our need to respect it.

Our weather-battered coastline is an environment that only the hardiest and most adaptable of wildlife can call home. But there are elements that even these plants and animals cannot withstand. As the kaitiaki (guardians) of our land, we have the opportunity to protect and conserve our unique environment.

Some species in The Coast: Little blue penguin, NZ fur seal, NZ dotterel

www.aucklandzoo.co.nz/whats-happening/te-wao-nui.aspx

© Auckland Zoo

Rugged, windswept and teeming with life, New Zealand's 15,000km coastline is the world's 10th longest. New Zealand's isolated location is ideal for marine life; with deep oceans rich in food and scattered islands that offer a respite from global migrations. These migrations are some of nature's greatest stories, and these stories have become part of our culture.

In Te Wao Nui, The Coast (Takutai) represents New Zealand's iconic coastal habitat. Throughout this habitat, the unique plants of the coast grow amongst the dunes and rocks, while little blue penguins and New Zealand fur seals explore the waters. The human influence is evident through a boatshed that illustrates our strong connection with nature and our need to respect it.

Our weather-battered coastline is an environment that only the hardiest and most adaptable of wildlife can call home. But there are elements that even these plants and animals cannot withstand. As the kaitiaki (guardians) of our land, we have the opportunity to protect and conserve our unique environment.

Some species in The Coast: Little blue penguin, NZ fur seal, NZ dotterel

www.aucklandzoo.co.nz/whats-happening/te-wao-nui.aspx

© Auckland Zoo