They are 150-250 mm in overall body length and reach a maximum of around 1 kg, but their weight can drop dramatically during winter hibernation. Unless you’ve an allergy, their stings won’t cause much more than a few days of pain (which obviously isn’t exactly desirable). The white-tail is also originally from Australia and is a bit more common. There are lots of dangerous animals in the world. And to be clear, we love all animals in New Zealand so this is not a list of the best animals of New Zealand, just some of the most unique ones. If you’re bringing a cat or dog from: Australia, you usually do not need a permit — but your pet will need a post-arrival inspection; an approved country, you need a … Does New Zealand have any dangerous animals? New Zealand is extremely lucky in the fact that they have no land snakes. The New Zealand Threat Classification System is used to assess the threat status of our taxa (species, subspecies, varieties and forma). We have some 2000 different spider species in New Zealand, but only 1157 have been "described". (Reuters: Stephanie McGehee)After two months at sea and unable to … They use it as a defense against other fish and prey to paralyze their victims. New Zealand is home to over 70,000 plant and animal species, 20,000 insect species, and 50 different fish species. There are two snakes that can be known to pop their heads up from time to time though: the yellow-bellied Pelamis platurus (yellow-bellied sea snake, pictured above) and the Laticauda colubrina (banded sea krait). New Zealand’s mosquitos aren’t particularly dangerous—at worst they’re only a bit annoying and irritable, and liable to leave an itchy bump behind if they get you. In New Zealand more than 1100 spider species live from the worldwide known 40 000 spider species. Even less common with finding a sea snake though is finding one on land, although it is possible for one or two to find their way onto a cargo ship or some other form of transport and pop up every now and then. This means there are no lethally poisonous snakes, scorpions, or spiders—or any other dangerous animals or … Unfortunately, the wet climate is a popular destination for one of the world's most annoying insects—the mosquito. These are generally only allowed to be used to trap insects, however, there are exemptions and glueboard traps have been used to trap mammals (usually mice) in New Zealand during the past five years. The last fatal attack was in 2013 at Muriwai Beach. Apparently, it bites, but the chances of you encountering one are very slim. I’ve never seen a live one in all my life & I live in NZ. Jillian Dara is a freelance travel writer and fact checker. They are no threat to humans, only to worms and New Zealand bugs. The main diseases of concern in some other countries are not currently present in New Zealand. Chances are you’ll likely never happen across anything that could do you any genuine harm. However, the usual suspects also cavort along the New Zealand coast in the sea. You won't find many dangerous animals in New Zealand! Close. If you decide to head out for a hike into some more remote parts of the country, make sure you pack some mossie repellant, and maybe even a net if you’re going to be sleeping outside or with the windows open. Commonly used in New Zealand food, the raw kernels of the karaka fruit are toxic to humans and pets alike due to high levels of karakin in them. New Zealand has a very small number of poisonous animals. Another flavour they’ve come to love is rubber—specifically the rubber found on car doors, mirrors, and windscreens, and they’ve become quite renowned for the damage they’ll do to a car if given the chance. We doubt there’s a more annoying insect out there than the mosquito, and thanks to New Zealand’s fairly wet climate, they can be found just about everywhere—especially in any damp and warm areas throughout the summer. Be wary if you’re planning on moving to New Zealand to become a farmer though—they’re renowned for killing sheep. Although commonly kept as houseplants during the winter to provide a pop of color, the berries of the Jerusalem cherry bush are mildly toxic for humans and pets alike. I had a wonderful tour of NZ in March 2005 but the sandfly bites I got on North Island - somewhere between Lake Taupo and Wellington, stopped for coffee, standing around in shorts at a dusty roadside cafe in the middle of nowhere, didn't feel a thing until an hour later and then the itching started. Others are dangerous because they have deadly venom, like some kinds of snakes. There are few things which you should definitely know about this small looking deadliest animal. The discovery of tetrodotoxin in the grey … Your Trip to New Zealand: The Complete Guide. We do have venomous spiders.. the native katipō spider. According to Te Ara, the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, there have been 12 people killed by sharks in New Zealand since records began. This happens when a dog has been proven to be a risk to the public, other animals or protected wildlife. These pesky insects cut at the skin to feed on blood, and their saliva often causes itchy rashes or hives to develop on the skin. In 1869, another newspaper reported a sighting of one in a lake near Wellington, and another in the Waikato river in 1886. Unless you're allergic to bees or wasps, these insects are but small nuisances during the summer months. STILL TL;DR: Big boom kill the bad animals. Dangerous animals in Ireland?Come on, you must be kidding... but not all wildlife, and even domestic and farm animals, are without dangers. I love New Zealand’s safe nature – no poison snakes or grizzlies in the woods, there are no deadly animals in New Zealand at all. It made me start thinking what was most dangerous creature I met during time I lived in New Zealand. Since the late 19th century there have been accidental introductions of the venomous redback and white-tailed spiders from Australia. It’s therefore unlikely you’ll ever see one, although you’ll want to stay well back if you do—a bite from a Redback spider could lead to serious injury. However, the Ministry is not aware of any cases of people catching a disease from a tick bite in New Zealand. Meanwhile, all the dangerous creatures in Australia weren't able to cross the Tasman sea, leaving New Zealand peaceful and murder-free. City-Data Forum > World Forums > Australia and New Zealand: Does New Zealand have poisonous animals and insects like ... but to keep perspective its FAR more dangerous driving your car. In fact, a farm animal is the one most likely to kill you. Remember to keep your distance from the young of these species as well, especially immediately after they're born, as mothers will also be quite protective. Additionally, only skilled outdoor adventurers should endeavor to do some of the extreme sports offered on the island, so make sure you're prepared before engaging in dangerous activities. Another on the list of the most dangerous animals in New Zealand is the Portuguese Man-o’-War, otherwise known as the Bluebottle jellyfish. Like with many things, you’re much more likely to be struck by lightning. However, accidental ingestion is very rare so you should only really worry about these if you're trying to cook your own fresh-picked mushrooms. However sea snakes are considered a native species under the Wildlife Act 1953 and it is illegal to kill or harass a sea snake, or possess one or any part of one without a permit. Be sure to check out our lists on the most dangerous animals in other countries too! A bite from a White-Tailed spider can be painful, and they’ve been known to cause a fair amount of swelling from time to time, although on the whole though they aren’t dangerous—certainly not by Australia’s standards. Raw castor beans are known as the "most poisonous common plant" by the "Guinness World Records," and they are poisonous when ingested, with lethal doses at just four to eight seeds for adults. Ticks have the potential to pose public health and biosecurity risks because they can carry and transmit human and animal diseases. In all, only 12 people have been killed by shark attacks in the country since records began. Do your part to help by traveling with a filter water bottle. There are no dangerous animals in the wild really. For the most part, the country is completely devoid of snakes, venomous or otherwise. The New Zealand Threat Classification System is used to assess the threat status of our taxa (species, subspecies, varieties and forma). Surfers might be at a slightly higher risk (due to a wetsuit looking a bit like a tasty seal to the shark), but again, the odds are extremely low. Neighbouring Australia is famed for all manner of crazy spiders you’ll want to steer clear of, and New Zealand has a trio of their own: the Katipo spider, White-Tailed spider, and the Redback spider. It'sa totally snake free country, there not even zoos here. These can be found throughout New Zealand, particularly in wet, warm areas during the summer months. You won't find many dangerous animals in New Zealand! Here are 10 facts you probably don't know about this New Zealand native. Stu's Images/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 3.0. Of approximately 62 species known worldwide, four species of sea snake have been observed in our waters thought two occur as only single observations. Wasps and bees are a nuisance we’re all familiar with, and New Zealand is no different. As predators go though, these sea snakes have only been reported a less-than-impressive 35 times over the past 90 years, so odds are you’re not going to be crossing paths with them any time soon. This means there are no lethally poisonous snakes, scorpions, or spiders—or any other dangerous animals or plants—on the island. Their name derives from the Māori language, and means "peaks on the back". They’re most commonly brought in on ocean currents from the north of the country, although they’re not all that common. Therefore, if and when any snake sightings get reported, the government will immediately send out specialists to track it down and assess it’s ability to breed. Unripe berries from these plants can be fatal to children, so if you're hiking in the woods with your kids, make sure they know the dangers of eating unfamiliar berries. New Zealand is an isolated country whose wildlife developed over millions of years, and fortunately, it did not develop any plants or animals that pose a danger to humans. Sea snakes cannot breed in New Zealand's cool waters and most of these beautiful creatures that reach Aotearoa will unfortunately die from cold shock. You won't need to cover great distances between sights, as is often the case in Australia, their closest neighbor. In no particular order, here are the 8 most dangerous animals in New Zealand. As a result of the country’s colder climate, only the biggest crocodiles will be able to survive, and it’s a long way to swim from Australia—even if you’re a giant beast of a crocodile. In fact, many visitors are so overwhelmed by the peaceful scenery that they drop all … Unfortunately for the Kea though it’s recently been moved onto the endangered species list, due in part to their poor diets and eagerness to eat just about anything. Not only is the tuatara an animal that’s completely unique to New Zealand, it is also the last surviving species of the Sphenodontia – an order of reptiles that thrived during the dinosaur age some 200 million years ago. You’ll find Sandflies almost anywhere in New Zealand where there’s sand, especially in more remote parts of the South Island during the summer months (where they’re known to grow especially big). Source: I live in the aforementioned volcanic zone, and have been to a few museums with this information. They are found in crevices and behind pieces of wood, so be careful if removing any wooden items that have been stationary for a while. From extinct animals to rare birds, marine life and other animals (tuatara, glowworms, kauri snails, frogs, bats, possums etc. The best way to avoid being a night time snack for the Sandflies is to avoid any summertime camping close to any sandy areas, and always make sure you’ve got some bug spray handy. With new, more infectious variants of Covid-19 detected around the world, and at New Zealand's border, the risk of further level 3 or 4 lockdowns is increased if those viruses get into the community. Dangerous Animals You Might Find in Ireland, Basic Safety Tips Every Traveler Should Know About Puerto Rico, A Top 10 List of Africa's Most Dangerous Snakes, How to Spot Bedbugs While You're Traveling, Identifying Venomous Spiders in Utah and Getting Help for Spider Bites, Everything You Need to Know About Yellow Fever in Africa, Use These 10 Tips to Avoid Mosquito Bites While You travel, Weather in Madagascar: Climate, Seasons and Average Temperatures, 10 Ways to Avoid Mosquito Bites in Southeast Asia, Top 7 Common Health Issues for Travel to India, Dengue Fever Is a Real Problem in Asia: Here Are the Symptoms, New Zealand’s Dangerous Plants, Animals, and Insects, Tripsavvy uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. NZ is the peacefullest/safest country in the world.. though that has nothing to do with animals.. but anyway.. . Dangerous animals in New Zealand. In spite of this, there are still a few dangerous animals in New Zealand you’ll want to be aware of when planning a trip to the land of the long white cloud; and whatever beasties you’re worried about crossing paths with during your trip, we’ve got you covered. They are not a threat to humans, however. When pests and predators were introduced they took a serious toll on the survival of our native plants, birds, reptiles and invertebrates, who were ill equipped to deal with the threat. New Zealand has no harmful animals like venomous snakes, scorpions or venomous insects, so its sole venomous native spider – the rare katipō – has almost mythical status. But there are some not so friendly species and here is mine top 3 … Can’t get enough of those New Zealand animals? If it’s deemed to be low-risk, then it’ll be removed by the specialists and placed in captivity. As we mentioned before, there are no dangerous animals in New Zealand, but a flesh-eating snail is worth mentioning. They can be present in the water or washed up onto the sand; avoid contact with them either way. Let […] In the country there are less or apart from the rare Katipo spider hardly any dangerous animal species. These snakes often make their way to New Zealand from places like Australia, Southeast Asia, the South Pacific and New Guinea, and while small, they’re surprisingly poisonous. It has some of the most varied scenery of any country in the world. Plastic pollution is covering the planet and is a tremendous threat to marine life. It's not recommended that you go picking mushrooms for your meal unless you consider yourself an expert on New Zealand fungi—however, you should always avoid the Amanita phalloides species, more commonly known as the death cap mushroom. No New Zealand native animal list would ever be complete without mentioning the country’s most famous bird. To answer this question, let’s look at how Australia ended up with so many types of dangerous snake. It’s illegal not just at the time the fight happens – it’s against the law to own, possess (that is, to have the animal even if you’re not the legal owner), train or breed dogs or other animals for the purposes of using them in fights. Ultimately, the lovely folks of New Zealand have found themselves in a fairly lucky spot when it comes to dangerous animals. The Katipo spider can be recognised by its black hue and red stripe, not too dissimilar from a Black Widow. The thorn apple (Datura stramonium) is one of the most dangerous plants on the island of New Zealand. However,​ the side effects of this type of plant medicine include over-stimulation of the heart alongside providing a strong muscle relaxant, which could be a fatal combination. When they cut into our skin to chow down though, the saliva they leave behind can often bring about a fairly nasty rash; or even hives. Here is a summary of findings: Hedgehogs are proven to be a major predator on eggs of riverbed breeding birds such as banded dotterel and black-fronted tern, and have been known to kill and eat chicks of a variety of ground-nesting birds. Much like mosquitos, sandflies love to drink our blood. 9 Best Sustainable Backpacks for Eco Friendly Travellers, Is Acapulco, Mexico Safe For Tourists? Posted by 6 months ago. But why does Australia have so many animals that are highly venomous? It means that there are no deadly venomous scorpions or snakes that you need to be worried about in New Zealand. A few of them are dangerous even to humans. Ignoring the immigrant arachnids, 97 per cent are unique to our islands. Cultura RM Exclusive/Richard Robinson/Getty Images. The hedgehog is an unmistakable small nocturnal mammal, grey-brown in colour with its back and sides entirely covered with spines. The island nation has an insignificant number of dangerous creatures and there are no lethally poisonous snakes, scorpions, spiders, or any other species on the island. There’s no need to avoid taking a dip in the ocean though, as the last fatal shark attack on record was over 7 years ago. Advice. Towards the end of the 1980s, studies found that Australian saltwater crocs like to make their way over to New Zealand on occasion in the summertime. New Zealand’s Weird and Wonderful Wildlife. While their stings can be quite painful and last for several days—practically ruining a vacation—they are only fatal if you're allergic to bee or wasp venom. Sea snakes are a different problem altogether. So, let's take a look at animals in Ireland and the associated dangers they … Modified on: Tue, 22 Mar, 2016 at 3:55 PM Any poisonous snakes, scorpions, wild bears or tigers home? Dog-fighting is illegal in Aotearoa New Zealand, and so is any other animal-fighting. Originating in Australia, the White-Tailed spider somehow made its way across the ocean to terrorise the nice people of New Zealand too, although in fairness by terrorise we mostly mean semi-harmlessly nibble. They can inflict a painful sting, and though they aren't particularly common, you should check with a local before swimming. Find an exporter who can help you ship to New Zealand: International Pet and Animal Transportation Association. That same year, a crocodile was also responsible for biting off a child’s arm. These topics have Especially when hiking in the backwoods of New Zealand, be careful not to brush against these—although one rub will only result in slight irritation, multiple scrapes could cause paralysis, nausea, or even fatality. You can find them in the South Island in Haast and Fiordland National Park. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today 10Best, Michelin Guide, Hemispheres, DuJour, and Jetsetter. It’s usually best to stay back and enjoy these animals from afar, especially if any young are around. Leg-hold traps are also used in New Zealand and these can cause severe pain and distress for animals who become trapped. 8 Most Dangerous Animals in New Zealand: Top Deadly Killers. Consumption of raw kernels could cause mild paralysis or convulsions and in extreme cases can be fatal. The 80 million year long separation from the Godwana continent led to the evolution of unique New Zealand animals. Only a few are slightly poisonous. Top 7 Reasons to Visit, Mexican Food Culture: 9 Dishes That You Must Try in Mexico, The 9 Best Dishes in Balinese Food Culture You Must Try, The 7 Best Portable Travel Monitors For MacBook Pro (2021). The Kea is New Zealand’s native parrot, found around the South Island and other alpine regions. Really, humans are just as dangerous as the Katipo spider or any other animal or plant on this list. A short while later in the 1800s, numerous sightings of crocodiles began to get reported, starting with a 1842 story where an “alligator” like creature was seen upending a canoe. By using Tripsavvy, you accept our. Overall though it’s not much bigger than a pea, so it’s no surprise most New Zealanders won’t ever have seen one. If it’s deemed to be low-risk, then it’ll be removed by the specialists and placed in captivity. Meanwhile, all the dangerous creatures in Australia weren't able to cross the Tasman sea, leaving New Zealand peaceful and murder-free. Most are in the ocean. Hedgehogs rely on their spines for protection and roll into a ti… For those of us who have travelled Australia or New Zealand we have become aware of a constant battle (or banter) that has forever taken place between Kiwis (New Zealanders) ... Australia has more dangerous animals. Now as New Zealand wrestles with what people to let in, most are united in what kinds of wild animals they want out. Tuatara are reptiles endemic to New Zealand, belonging to the genus Sphenodon.Although resembling most lizards, they are part of a distinct lineage, the order Rhynchocephalia. This bird is not so much dangerous as a nuisance as it's quite cheeky and will attack your personal belongings if you leave them unattended. We doubt there’s a more annoying insect out there than the mosquito, and thanks to New Zealand’s, about everywhere—especially in any damp and warm areas throughout the summer, any snake sightings get reported, the government will immediately send out specialists to track it down and assess it’s ability to breed. Furthermore, New Zealanders are trusting people who will be ready to help you if you get into trouble. The Kea isn’t so much of a danger to people, more a bit of a nuisance; at worst they might attack our belongings or steal our food. The karaka fruit, when dried out and baked, is safe to eat and is often made into a bread paste by some native tribes. The redback spider is not well suited to the colder and wetter conditions of New Zealand, though, so it is unlikely that it will ever become well established here. Keep in mind that some abdominal discomfort may occur if you ingest too much of this seasoning and adults may experience mild food poisoning if they eat unripe berries. Any surfers will naturally find themselves at a slightly higher risk of attack, but emphasis on the slightly—there are still next to no reported incidences. Source: I live in the aforementioned volcanic zone, and have been to a few museums with this information. Snakes Of New Zealand New Zealand is extremely lucky in the fact that they have no land snakes. Menacing by behaviour. Redback spiders are almost identical to the Katipo spider, with the same black colour overall and the same red stripe (again, not too dissimilar from a Black Widow). New Zealand; United Kingdom; ... 42% tried to swerve to avoid the animal. Unfortunately, not all of these species are safe. New Zealand does not have any land snakes, but it is visited on occasion by the yellow-bellied sea snake (Pelamis platurus) and the banded sea krait (Laticauda colubrina). 5. The fact that these stories exist just goes to show how big of a deal crocodile sightings in New Zealand are, and that any such any sightings have been incredibly few and far between. This isn’t to say that one or two might not show their faces from time to time however, as there have been a confirmed sighting or two over the years. In turn, this means a few unusual species of animals and birds evolved that that are well worth looking out for while backpacking in New Zealand. Including 9 Dangerous Animals in Fiji and the 8 Most Dangerous Animals in Bali. With a miraculous stroke of luck though, New Zealand seems to be mostly devoid of major dangers, at least when compared to other far-away destinations. New Zealand has a reputation of being a good and safe driving destination.However there are always risks involved when driving. But after Monday's fatal eruption, some question whether they should have been there at all. With the introduction of any predatory snakes, it’s feared that this could only get worse. Seals and Sea Lions are pretty laid back and well behaved for the most part, and won’t pose any threat to any passing humans. Glue traps may also be used. The box jellyfish can have as many as 5000 tentacles that can reach 2 meters in length. Some locals and tourists eat this plant to experience the hallucinogenic effects caused by its alkaloid chemicals. Still, be careful which trees you bump into as a bee or wasp nest might be hiding in the branches. However, the biggest damage they cause is to cars. The extent to which hedgehogs impact upon the New Zealand environment is only recently beginning to be understood in any detail. A filter water bottle is an effective way of purifying water to remove any impurities or contaminants. Report sick, injured or dead wildlife What to do if you find a dead bird, beached whale, or other native animals that might need help. New Zealand was an island free of land mammals before us pesky humans arrived. You're much more likely to be struck by lightning than to be bothered by a shark. Generally, New Zealand does not possess any animals that can seriously put human’s life in danger. As we mentioned above, they’re often found lurking behind wood, tucked away in tight crevices, or even hiding in your bed (look out for that one). Although its venom is not lethal, the area could get infected and you should immediately seek medical help if bitten.