About a hundred years ago, a ship anchored in the chilly fjords of New Zealand’s South Island and released ten moose onto the coast. The ship’s crew hurriedly unloaded them from their boxes and observed as these animals, the last survivors of a lengthy journey from Saskatchewan, Canada, ventured into the thick rainforest.
This unusual event was part of a grand vision from the then Prime Minister, who aimed to transform Fiordland National Park into a paradise for hunters. Interestingly, this was the second attempt to introduce moose to the area, following the unfortunate fate of an earlier release that saw most of the herd perish, all in a land where bats happen to be the only native land mammals. Around the same time, red deer and wapiti were also brought in for hunting purposes.
In the years that followed, there were reports of moose sightings, and local newspapers occasionally featured hunters posing next to these immense creatures. The last confirmed sighting was back in 1951, after which the moose were officially declared extinct.
Since then, though, some intriguing clues have emerged suggesting that moose might still exist in New Zealand. People have noticed tracks that seem far too large for deer, branches torn and stripped of leaves up to eight feet high, and even fur caught in trees. There have also been numerous unconfirmed sightings of moose.
Now, seventy-five years after the last confirmed photograph, New Zealanders find themselves captivated by the mystery of the elusive moose—not for hunting but for answers. Or, perhaps, it’s just a mix of legends woven into the eerie, remote landscape?
This question gained fresh momentum this past March when two hiking groups from the U.S. and Canada reported seeing moose trampling along the Kepler track in Fiordland.
On the Trail of New Zealand’s “Nessie”
Ken Tustin, a biologist and a former helicopter pilot known as the “Mooseman” of New Zealand, has spent the last 40 years trying to track down these animals.
In 1995, he filmed some grainy footage of what he believed to be a moose, and a few years later, fur found snagged on a tree was DNA tested and confirmed to be from a moose.
While the intrigue surrounding the moose mirrors that of Bigfoot and the Loch Ness monster, Tustin insists it’s a different story altogether, given the moose’s documented introduction to the area.
He describes the idea of moose still existing in the wild as “extraordinary and incredible,” but urges folks to consider the evidence rather than dismiss it outright. Antoine Beauchamp from Canada recounts a moment during a hike when he and others saw a large animal up close, which he confidently identified as a moose based on its distinctive size and characteristic features.
However, without substantial photographic evidence, the Department of Conservation remains skeptical of these claims.
Following the recent sightings, John Lucas, a manager in Anau, stated that until definitive evidence arises, they believe it is more likely people are misidentifying deer or hybrids of red deer and wapiti.
Moose are notably larger than both red deer and wapiti, and their antlers are wide and flat, which is quite different from the others. Typically, moose have a dark brown or reddish coat in summer that turns grey in the winter, while wapiti have a lighter, fawn color with a distinctive complexion. Moose are generally solitary creatures, unlike the more social red deer and wapiti.
Lucas added that if someone were to obtain a photograph, it might ruin the mystery altogether. He notes, “Just because we haven’t seen something doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist,” echoing a sentiment that mystery often lingers until evidence surfaces.
Fiordland: A Hub of Mystery
Fiordland, New Zealand’s largest national park and part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known for its breathtaking landscapes—rainforests, jagged mountains, and serene fjords. These elements not only attract tourists eager to explore famous hikes but also provide a perfect backdrop for myths and tales.
For over a century, stories have emerged about Maori tribes supposedly residing in the region and sightings of the MOA, a large flightless bird that went extinct many years ago. In the late 1800s, a vast valley was claimed by this legendary bird.
Charlie Mitchell, a senior journalist familiar with moose stories, emphasized that Fiordland has always drawn such narratives. He believes people need the area to retain its air of mystery; otherwise, they’d have to face the reality of thorough exploration, potentially ending the intrigue.
Occasionally, species thought to be extinct reappear, like the takahi—a large, flightless bird rediscovered in Fiordland in 1948, fifty years after its last recorded sighting. While Mitchell acknowledges that the chances of moose also showing up again are slim, he doesn’t completely rule it out.
As Tustin admits, he might never come across a moose, yet the search itself seems to hold deeper significance. “I love how moose have almost become a spiritual symbol in Fiordland,” he reflects. “When you picture Fiordland, there’s this gorgeous blend of nature—water gently raining down, ferns swaying, a sense of mystery. And in that picture, the moose fits in perfectly.”
