Tawaki—the Rainforest Penguin in New Zealand 2025
Tawaki is the only penguin in the world that lives in the rainforest and not in the icebergs' surroundings
Best time: July–early December
Tawaki Penguin also known as Fiordant Crested Penguin breaks the stereotype according to which all the penguins live near the coast surrounded by icebergs. This species chooses to inhabit rainforest areas. It is known as the world's second rarest species of penguin. In New Zealand, one may spot them nearby the Haast and Lake Moeraki starting from July to early December, when they have their breeding season.
The birds usually build nests around the rainforest tree stumps. Tawaki chicks have a great appetite and grow up very quickly. They normally reach the size of their parents when they are two months old.
Although Tawaki Penguins prefer to live in lush rainforests, it does not mean that they remain there throughout the year. The next 6 months after the chicks have grown up, all the penguins leave the coast and navigate the ocean. Only occasionally they may return to the land for a short moulting periods in February or March.
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