The kiwi, New Zealand’s national bird, can be hard to find in the wild. Deforestation and various predators have drastically reduced populations of this small nocturnal bird. However, you can still make spotting one a goal during your trip. Special “houses” around the country simulate the dark, damp conditions of their natural habitat, allowing visitors to glimpse this fascinating flightless bird. Most kiwi houses and sanctuaries operate active breeding and hatching programs while offering tours and valuable information about this enigmatic creature.