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Story: Mountains

Giant wētā

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Giant wētā

This wētā (Deinacrida elegans) is found only in the Kaikōura Ranges, in the north-east of the South Island. It is very noticeable, with red legs and a brown abdomen. Wētā live in narrow crevices on steep rock cliffs.

Using this item

Department of Conservation

Reference: 10048967

by P. R. Clerke

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How to cite this page

Andy Dennis, Mountains – Alpine plants and animals, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/14321/giant-weta (accessed 24 June 2026).

Story by Andy Dennis, published 1 March 2009, updated 1 February 2017.