The moa was a giant species of bird that were known to have grown 3.6m in height and weighing around 230kg. They shortly became extinct after the humans starting migrating to New Zealand because they were an easy kill and a large meal… Many museums across the county have moa bones and skeletons on display to appreciate the size of these birds.

When moa bones were first discovered by Europeans in New Zealand in the 1830s, the birds were declared a scientific marvel.

A number of species – some very large and some small – once roamed the country, but probably became extinct about 500 years ago. Much about them remains a mystery. For years, people have hunted for more clues, or a glimpse of any survivors.