Man holding rowi
Rowi, formerly known as Ōkārito brown kiwi, are New Zealand’s rarest kiwi, with an estimated 350 surviving in just 11,000 hectares in South Ōkārito Forest, in South Westland.
It was in 1994 that they were found to be an entirely new species and given the name rowi.
Rowi, formerly known as Ōkārito brown kiwi, is New Zealand's rarest kiwi species, surviving in just 11,000 hectares in South Ōkārito Forest, in south Westland.
As with other kiwi, introduced predators, especially stoats, are the greatest threat to rowi. Learn more about threats to our most endangered kiwi.
Find out about DOC's conservation work to save the rowi.
Learn how you can get involved in helping to save the rowi.
The use of innovative new technology means our rarest kiwi – the Okarito rowi on the West Coast, now has a far greater chance of survival.
Ōkārito is a coastal settlement bounded by ocean, estuary, sea cliffs, lush forest and unsurpassed views of the Southern Alps. Thousands of native birds visit the lagoon and many make their home in the vicinity.
In this video Nic visits the home of NZ's rarest kiwi - the critically endangered rowi (formerly Ōkārito brown kiwi) on the South Island's west coast.
Kiwi recovery plan 2008-2018 (PDF, 685K)
Bank of New Zealand Save the Kiwi Trust websiteInformation about funding applications for kiwi conservation organisations
Whataroa School and Operation Nest Egg - Whataroa School won the 2006 West Coast Schools' Conservation Challenge
DOC HOTline - 24 hour emergency number
Phone 0800 DOCHOTline (0800 362 468) to report:
Sick or injured wildlifeWhale or dolphin strandings
