The Kiwi is unique to New Zealand and is one of the most unusual birds on earth. It’s flightless, nocturnal, has hair-like feathers, and burrows into the ground to lay an egg representing 25% of its bodyweight.

Very few New Zealanders have ever seen a Kiwi in the wild as they are shy, secretive birds and their covert habits have frustrated scientists for many years. But new information on Kiwi behaviour, which challenges our past understanding of the bird, was revealed during the filming of this programme. Much of the behaviour shown has never been filmed before.

Many of New Zealand’s birds have been lost or are close to extinction but the Kiwi’s characteristics have helped it to survive – now its numbers are falling and the film explores the reasons why and offers hope for the future.