Rotorua among most 'Quintessentially' Kiwi special places

The Department of Conservation (DOC) has released the results of its 'Quintessentially Kiwi' nationwide survey of New Zealanders with Rotorua making the list as one of the country’s top five special places. The survey’s top 'Quintessentially Kiwi’ special places were Stewart Island, Fiordland, Cape Reinga, Aoraki/Mt Cook and Rotorua.

When asked which native species helped define who we are as New Zealanders, people voted the Kiwi as favourite by a clear margin with Tui and Kakapo other popular choices for native birds.

New Zealand's Christmas tree the Pohutukawa topped the most popular native plant species list followed by Kauri and Kowhai.

Top 5 special places:
Stewart Island
Fiordland
Cape Reinga
Aoraki/Mt Cook
Rotorua

Top 5 native birds:
Kiwi
Tui
Kakapo
Kea
Fantail

Top 5 native plants:
Pohutukawa
Kauri
Kowhai
Rimu
Rata