Spiders in New Zealand

New Zealand is a wonderful and stunning nation. It has some of the most beautiful spots on earth, especially mountains, beaches, terrains, and caverns. However, considering its location, it isn’t surprising that it has its fair share of critters. Some organisms might be easier to observe from a distance, while others – who are, in theory, the good guys – get a terrible rap. Spiders fall under that heading. Though few of them fit any of those descriptions, they are considered scary, ugly, and eerie. It includes orb-weaving spiders that spin gigantic webs and catch hundreds of mosquitos. Most of these spiders don’t attack humans. They tend to shy away when they see humans. They are only aggressive to their prey, mostly small insects and other spiders.

Spiders in New Zealand Identification Chart

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Common Spiders in New Zealand

Biggest Spiders in New Zealand

Most Venomous Spiders

Less Venomous Spiders

Common Spiders in New Zealand

Black-Headed Jumping Spider (Trite planiceps)

Golden-Brown Jumping Spider (Trite auricoma)

Black Tunnel Web Spiders (Porrhothele antipodiana)

Biggest Spiders in New Zealand

Nelson Cave Spider (Spelungula cavernicola)	Banded Tunnelweb Spider (Hexathele hochstetteri ausserer)	Golden Orb Weaver Spider (Nephila edulis)
Sheetweb Spider (Cambridgea foliata)	Vagrant spider (Uliodon albopunctatus)	—

Most Venomous Spiders

Cobweb Spiders/Tangle Web Spiders (Theridiidae)

Redback Spider (Latrodectus hasseltii) - The Redback spider, often called the Australian black widow, comes from places in Australia. Nowadays, you can find it all over Australia and even in New Zealand.… Continue Reading >

Katipō – Latrodectus katipo

White-Tailed Spider (Lamponidae)

White-tailed (Lampona cylindrata & Lampona murina) - Discover the intriguing world of the white-tailed spider, known scientifically as Lampona murina and Lampona cylindrata. Both these spiders hail from the Lampona genus, which means ‘to shine’.… Continue Reading >

Less Venomous Spiders

Huntsman Spiders (Sparassidae Family)

Avondale (Delena cancerides) - The Avondale spider comes from the huntsman spider family. It got its name from a place called Avondale in Auckland. Some people also call it the social huntsman or flat huntsman spider.… Continue Reading >

Nursery Web Spiders (Pisauridae)

Nursery Web Spider – Dolomedes minor

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most venomous spider in New Zealand?

The most venomous spider native to New Zealand is the Katipō spider (Latrodectus katipo). A relative of the black widow, its bite can be medically significant, though confirmed bites are very rare. The introduced White-Tailed spider is also considered venomous, but its effects are less severe.

Are spiders in New Zealand generally aggressive towards humans?

No, most spiders in New Zealand are not aggressive towards humans and tend to be shy. They typically only show aggression to their prey, which consists of small insects and other spiders. An attack on a human is uncommon and usually occurs only as a defensive reaction when threatened.

What is the biggest spider found in New Zealand?

The biggest spider in New Zealand is the Nelson Cave Spider (Spelungula cavernicola). This large, protected species is found only in specific cave systems. Other notably large species include the Banded Tunnelweb spider and the Golden Orb Weaver, but the Nelson Cave Spider is the largest by leg span.

Are there any deadly spiders in New Zealand?

No, there are no spiders in New Zealand considered deadly to humans. While the native Katipō spider has a venomous bite that can cause significant health issues, there have been no recorded human deaths from a confirmed spider bite in the country in modern history. Prompt medical attention is advised.

What are the most common spiders found in New Zealand?

Some of the most common spiders in New Zealand are jumping spiders, like the Black-Headed Jumping Spider, and orb-weaving spiders. You may also frequently encounter Black Tunnel Web spiders and Sheetweb spiders. Many of these common species are harmless and beneficial by controlling insect populations like mosquitos.

How dangerous is the White-Tailed spider in New Zealand?

The White-Tailed spider is venomous, and its bite typically causes localized pain, redness, and swelling. Despite past beliefs linking its bite to necrotic ulcers, scientific studies have not substantiated this claim. While uncomfortable, bites are generally not considered medically serious for most people but can be painful.

Do jumping spiders in New Zealand bite humans?

Jumping spiders in New Zealand, such as the Black-Headed Jumping Spider, rarely bite humans. A bite would typically only occur if the spider felt trapped or directly threatened. Their venom is not medically significant to people, and a bite would likely result in only minor, localized irritation or itchiness.

Spiders in New Zealand

Common Spiders in New Zealand

Biggest Spiders in New Zealand

Most Venomous Spiders