Modern Dinosaurs, Extreme Survivors (Episode 3)

New Zealand’s dramatic landscape is no easy ride; the islands have been violently forged by volcanism and earthquakes to create some of the most unique environments on the planet. From frost-bitten geckos, glittering underground predators and the world’s most intelligent parrot, New Zealand challenges its animals to adapt or die.

With volcanos rising from beneath the sea and mountains that grow like fingernails, how has New Zealand’s wildlife adapted to one of the most unstable places on earth?

Sixty five million years ago, a meteor hit the earth, and killed nearly all life on the planet. Out of the ashes, one hardy reptile managed to survive in New Zealand. With a third eye, razored back,…

The Kiwi is a bird that has thrown out the rulebook of bird biology. It doesn’t fly, lives in the dark, and resembles a mammal more than anything bird-like. Since the introduction of rodents, this…

New Zealand’s dramatic landscape is no easy ride; the islands have been violently forged by volcanism and earthquakes to create some of the most unique environments on the planet. From frost-bitten…

Most parrots are colourful and fly in massive flocks - New Zealand’s kakapo breaks all the rules. Kakapo are not only the world’s largest parrots, they’re the only nocturnal species. These birds…

Millions of years evolution have created unique creatures found only in New Zealand – and many of them share an unusual trait. They’re living giants. In New Zealand, a spikey grasshopper-like…

We’re still unlocking the mysteries of New Zealand’s oceans. Its wildlife is hardy; survivors who have met every challenge thrown at them. With the extinction of marine dinosaurs, an evolutionary…