There are two different islands that make up New Zealand, they are both named as the North and South islands. The Indigenous people of New Zealand are better known as the Maori, and they have also become very well known across the world. New Zealand is called Aotearoa in the Maori language, which when translated into English means “Land Of The Long Lost Cloud!

Due to the fact that New Zealand is over 2000 kilometres from the next closest land mass, the country has developed a very special and diverse flora and fauna. This makes New Zealand one of the more unique countries in the world. With Australia being the next closest country, there are some similarities. However there are and have been some truly amazingly wonderful creatures.

New Zealand has some of the most strikingly amazing animals in the planet, with some very intriguing flightless birds. Some of these flightless birds contained the Kiwi, a commonly known and national representation of the island. However, it is also looks as though even larger animals and more deadly ones, could have once been living on this island as well.

There were several larger flightless birds in New Zealand, and one that has now become extinct was called the Moa. The Moa was structured as a tall and fast flightless bird, not as large as the ostrich, but still fast and strong. These animals served one purpose and that single purpose only, to be the food for an extremely large predator!

The largest Eagle known to man has been found in New Zealand, now extinct, the Haast’s Eagle had a wingspan of nearly 3 metres and claws up to 30 cm in length. It could travel at speeds of up to 50mph when striking, delivering deadly weight and striking force every time!

New Zealand also then received a bonus in tourism rates because they have more people wanting to see these creatures! New Zealand holidays are still very popular, so get stuck in with New Zealand tours if you ever get the chance, to try something new!

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