Natural history books

Books about the unique and incredible natural environment and science research of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Groundwork: The Art and Writing of Emily Cumming Harris

A luscious tribute to an early New Zealand botanical artist, by Michele Leggott and Catherine Field-Dodgson.

Wild Wellington Ngā Taonga Taiao: A guide to the wildlife and wild places of Te Upoko-o-te-Ika

What to see where, when, and how in the Wellington region.

Identification Guide to the Ferns and Lycophytes of Aotearoa New Zealand

The definitive visual guide for anyone wanting to understand, identify and distinguish 201 of the most commonly encountered species of ferns and lycophytes found across Aotearoa.

The Beach Activity Book: 99 Ideas for Activities by the Water around Aotearoa New Zealand

An engaging activity book for young New Zealanders and their families.

Flora: Celebrating Our Botanical World

The magnificent plant world of Aotearoa New Zealand in art and object.

Mangō: Sharks and Rays of Aotearoa

The fascinating lives of Aotearoa New Zealand’s sharks and rays.

Te Papa Te Taiao Nature Series: Native Shells of Aotearoa

A handy introduction to the unique shells of Aotearoa New Zealand, for the backyard, bach and backpack.

Book cover for Native Insects of Aotearoa

Te Papa Te Taiao Nature Series: Native Insects of Aotearoa

A handy introduction to the unique insects of Aotearoa New Zealand, for the backyard, bach and backpack.

Te Papa Te Taiao Nature Series: Native Plants of Aotearoa

A handy introduction to the unique flora of Aotearoa New Zealand, for the backyard, bach, and backpack.

A book cover with a lot of stylised birds on it

Te Papa Te Taiao Nature Series: Native Birds of Aotearoa

A handy introduction to the unique birdlife of Aotearoa New Zealand, for the backyard, bach, and backpack.

Whiti: Colossal Squid of the Deep

Discover the fascinating story of the colossal squid at Te Papa

Nature — Stilled

Stunning photographs of remarkable natural history specimens from the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

My Little Book of Bugs

An appealing board book that helps young readers learn about bugs

The Nature Activity Book: 99 Ideas for Activities in the Natural World of Aotearoa New Zealand

From experiments and observation to conservation and mindfulness, this activity-packed book stimulates curious minds. It encourages children to relate to the natural world and develop budding research skills.

Lost Gold: Ornithology of the subantarctic Auckland Islands

The first ever book about the birds of this subantarctic island group

New Zealand Seaweeds: An Illustrated Guide

The definitive and expert guide to the seaweeds of New Zealand’s coastal waters

100 Natural History Treasures of Te Papa

An insider’s guide to the natural treasures of New Zealand’s national museum.

Why is That Lake So Blue?

A fascinating, fun and engaging book on New Zealand’s amazing natural world

Buller’s Birds of New Zealand: The Complete Work of JG Keulemans (New Edition)

New Zealand's best-loved birds come alive in luminous colour in Buller’s Birds of New Zealand: The Complete Work of JG Keulemans.

Buller’s Birds of New Zealand Poster

This magnificent illustration from the 1900s, entitled Native Birds of New Zealand by William Shaw Diedrich Schmidt, has been lovingly reproduced by Te Papa Press to accompany Buller’s Birds of New Zealand: The Complete Work of JG Keulemans.

The Fishes of New Zealand Poster

Reminiscent of the iconic fish 'n' chip shop poster, this poster from Te Papa Press features a selection of 222 fishes from the landmark 4-volume publication The Fishes of New Zealand.

Whales and Dolphins of Aotearoa New Zealand

For centuries whales and dolphins have captured our imaginations. We have revered and mythologised them, hunted them to the brink of extinction and passionately protected them. But how much do we really know?