✳Predator Free South Westland
Predator Free South Westland

A thriving landscape

From the mountains to the sea

Welcome to Predator Free South Westland

Predator Free South Westland is on track to achieve the ambitious goal of eliminating possums, rats and stoats from more than 100,000 hectares of one of Aotearoa’s most stunning landscapes. Launched in 2021, the project area includes remote back country, rural areas and townships between the Whataroa and Waiau (Waiho) rivers, the crest of the Southern Alps | Kā Tiritiri o te Moana, and the shores of the Tasman Sea | Te Tai-o-Rēhua.

Now nearing completion, success in South Westland demonstrates that a predator-free Aotearoa is a goal well within reach.

South Westland

A landscape in recovery

Without the constant threat of introduced predators, nature in South Westland is re-awakening. Native plants are bursting with flowers. Kea, kākāriki and mātā (fernbirds) are being seen more frequently, and forests are alive with birdsong.

Native kākāriki bird in South Westland
Our work

Achieving predator elimination

At the start of the project, Zero Invasive Predators (ZIP) was engaged to develop the tools and techniques that would create an unfenced predator-free ‘mainland island’ – something that had never been done before.

Across South Westland, ZIP has now developed and implemented a step-by-step approach to safeguard native and endemic species, reduce carbon emissions, improve forest health, and create a range of work and income opportunities for the local community.

Kea bird of South Westland
The project landscape

Project Area

Spanning alpine peaks, lowland forests, farmland and lagoon wetlands, the project area includes the communities of Franz Josef, Whataroa, and Ōkārito.

South Westland lake and landscape

From mountains to the sea

Predator Free South Westland is leading the way. On track to become the first predator free landscape in Aotearoa – from the mountains to the sea.

South Westland nature and wetlands

Our landscape

Spanning alpine peaks, lowland forests, farmland and lagoon wetlands.

Native South Westland vegetation

Working together

Predator Free South Westland is made possible through the support and collaboration of many.

From the mountains to the sea

South Westland community