The Great Spotted Kiwi (Apteryx haastii), also known as "Roa", is the largest kiwi in New Zealand. Their habitat is the northern half of the South Island.
One may recognise the Roa by its ashy and grey feathers that are banded horizontally containing spots of whiter tones. These birds can grow up to half a meter tall, are flightless and mostly active at night. They mainly feed on small invertebrates including spiders, snails and cicadas.
The entire population is estimated to contain about 16,000 birds, of which over 50% live in northwest Nelson. Its conservation status is considered as vulnerable due introduced predators. Dogs are likely to kill these flightless birds in a matter of seconds. Introduced stoats threaten the great spotted kiwis since they feed on eggs and possibly young chicks. The problem is that the kiwi only lays one egg at once.