Antipodean albatross have a white face and throat with brownish crowns. It is a large albatross that becomes whiter as it matures, but often retains some dark tail feathers. The upper wings can range from dark to almost all white, and the under wings have dark tips. Average wingspan is 64 cm.

Antipodean albatross are endemic to New Zealand, and travel to south eastern Australia and to eastern South America. Breeding takes place only on Antipodes Island with a few pairs at Campbell Island and the Chatham Islands.


Antipodean albatross are considered ‘Range restricted’ by the Department of Conservation and ‘Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. It has been estimated that there are around 5,100 breeding pairs.

Antipodean albatross feed mainly on squid, particularly giant cuttlefish during winter as well as some fish and carrion.

Antipodean albatross are caught in commercial longline fishing operations. Mitigation methods are used in New Zealand to prevent mortalities.

International Union for Conservation of nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red list

New Zealand Threat Classification System list