Wildlife in Buller: Encounters That Feel Real

Where to see Seals, Birds, and Native Species

Buller is home to a range of native wildlife, particularly along the coast and within forest environments.

Encounters are generally natural rather than managed, offering a more authentic experience.

Key Wildlife Areas

Cape Foulwind Seal Colony

• One of the most accessible seal colonies in NZ
• Located along a coastal walkway
• Best viewed from designated areas

Native Birdlife

Found throughout forests and national parks

• Forest Birds: Look for the tiny Rifleman (Titipounamu), the inquisitive South Island Robin (Toutouwai), and the cheeky Weka.
• The Bush & Gorge: The Buller Gorge Swingbridge area is excellent for spotting Fantails (Piwakawaka), Bellbirds (Korimako), and Tui.
• Alpine/Open Area: The intelligent and loud Kea can be found in higher, mountainous, or clearing areas.
• Coastal Birds: Around Carters Beach and the coast, look for the Variable Oystercatcher, Pied Stilt, and White-faced Heron.
• Night Birds: The Great Spotted Kiwi (Roa) exists in the Paparoa Ranges.
• Kiwi’s despite being the national icon, are incredibly elusive, nocturnal, and endangered, making a wild sighting rare, even for locals.

Hunting & Other Wildlife

• • Red Deer: Present throughout the area, notably in the Paparoa and Kahurangi National Parks.
  • Other species: Feral pigs, goats, chamois, and some deer species (fallow, rusa, sambar) exist in the area.

Responsible Viewing

• Keep distance from wildlife
• Do not feed animals
• Stay on marked tracks