Queenstown in Queenstown-Lakes District, Otago Region, New Zealand — Southwestern Pacific Ocean

New Zealand Moa (Dinomithiformes)

New Zealand Moa Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Shirley A Stirling, December 20, 2025

1. New Zealand Moa Marker

Inscription.
Moa are thought to have become extinct 200 years ago. For millions of years they were the largest living animal in New Zealand and the tallest bird in the world.

There were 11 species of which the one depicted here, Dinornis Giganteus, was the largest, standing 3 metres tall head up and weighing up to 250kg. The forest dwelling Moa was a Herbivore. It had typical hairy ratite feathers (similar to the Emu) and its lower legs were covered in scales. One or two eggs a year were laid, measuring up to 240mm x 178mm with a capacity equal to 90 chicken eggs.

Sculptured by Robin Coleman
of Marton, New Zealand
Aotearoa

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment.

Location. 45° 1.965′ S, 168° 39.508′ E. Marker is in Queenstown, Otago Region, in Queenstown-Lakes District. It is on Beach Street, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 73 Beach Street, Queenstown, Otago Region 9300, New Zealand. Touch for directions.

Regionally, it is in Oceania,

in Australasia,

in Polynesia,

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in the Pacific Ocean,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony.

Other nearby markers. At least 7 other markers are within 18 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Dairy (approx. 14.8 kilometers away); The Manure Room (approx. 14.8 kilometers away); The Hayloft (approx. 14.8 kilometers away); Invited but Unwelcome (approx. 17.1 kilometers away); Welcome to the Arrowtown Chinese Settlement (approx. 17.1 kilometers away); The Mary Cotter Tree (approx. 17.3 kilometers away); Bank of New Zealand (approx. 17.3 kilometers away).

Photographed by Shirley A Stirling, December 20, 2025

2. New Zealand Moa Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on December 21, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 20, 2025, by Shirley A Stirling of Lacey, Washington. This page has been viewed 118 times since then and 87 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 20, 2025, by Shirley A Stirling of Lacey, Washington. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.