New Zealand Rabbits

A New Zealand rabbit lying down with it's ears perked

Breed Rating (5 Reviews)

Appearance
Friendliness
Hardiness
Garden

Write Review

New Zealand History

The New Zealand rabbit is a large rabbit routinely used as a meat and laboratory rabbit but also a popular pet and exhibition rabbit. New Zealand rabbits originate from America, not New Zealand. The New Zealand White first appeared in 1917 in America and was imported into the UK after the Second World War (1945). The New Zealand rabbit grows very quickly, perhaps the reason for its popularity as a meat rabbit. An adult rabbit can weigh up to 5.44kg (12lb) with a medium body, well-rounded haunches, short front legs and a bold head. The coat is usually dense but soft.

New Zealand Behaviour

As a large rabbit, the New Zealand may be less prone to nervousness however its weight might be off-putting for people that wish to handle the breed regularly.

New Zealand Varieties

White, Black, Blue The New Zealand Red is a smaller rabbit than the New Zealand White, typically weighing 3.62kg (8lb).

New Zealand Status

Common

New Zealand Pictures

New Zealand For Sale

Please note: All animals listed here are for collection only. They cannot be delivered by the seller or by Omlet. The seller will send you their contact details to arrange payment and collection.

Sell Yours Here

It's free

Sorry, there are currently no New Zealand listed for Sale

Latest Reviews For New Zealand (5 of 5)

5 Stars:

4 Stars:

3 Stars:

2 Stars:

1 Star:

Average Rating:

Based on 5 Verified Reviews

Write Review

Best Bunny Ever. - Tyra, 16 May 2025

I have a New Zealand Black. Miss B is her name. She has a huge pen in my backyard. It takes up half of my yard, and I have a fairly big yard. She has created her own tunnel systems over the years, and she has many of them. She even has one that extends into the neighbors yard, so she can basically come and go as she pleases. She's extremely protective over her pen, and she's incredibly intelligent. She's so smart, that I actually caught her one day digging out one of her tunnels, but not with her paws. She was using her food bowl like it was a shovel. She came running out of her tunnel with her food bowl in her mouth and full of dirt, then she dumped the dirt, and went back in the tunnel to do it again. That blew me away. She used her bowl like a tool, Incredible! If you ever get a chance to own a New Zealand, do it, you won't regret it.

New zealand rabbits - Tammy, Oregon, 11 October 2016

There are only 2 types of New Zealand, Show and Meat. Meat rabbits grow faster and sturdier, many are true to standard while show rabbits have to be smaller to get into the show my 8 week old kits have to be shows as juniors. But that's the only difference, love this breed in all colours.

vary friendly - Anna, 16 March 2014

i love my new zealand, she is super frienly to poeple and other rabbits, and she even won a trophie, i highly recomend this breed.

Flopsy - Marilyn, 7 November 2012

Flopsy is such an amazing bunny! he doesnt give me any problems! his temperment is great. he can be skiddish at times but is still an awesome bunny. they grow to be huge so be prepared to spend some money and for vet care! They poop big but are very easy to litter train. They are tame babies. Can be rough to handle because of their size but very cuddly bunnies :)

Excellent large rabbit - Lydia-Maria, 15 August 2009

I have only had 1 of these magnificent rabbits,a stunning New Zealand Blue.She came from Gloucester Cattle market and was already an adult and full grown when I got her. She was the easiest rabbit to handle(my thanks to her previous owner)and extremely docile and friendly.At the time I got her,my rabbits were all Netherland Dwarf x Polish,so getting such a large rabbit I was worried I would be out of my depth,she quickly put me at my ease.She was prone to scouring,so I only ever fed her on her pellets.I don't know if the breed as a whole are susceptible to this,or if it was just peculiar to her.The nicest doe I have ever owned.