There are two sub-species of dotterels that live in coastal areas around New Zealand. The northern New Zealand dotterel is distributed around the North Island, and the southern New Zealand dotterel breeds only on Stewart Island (its population is estimated at 200 individuals). Dotterels consume a range of prey including sandhoppers, crabs, crickets, flies, beetles, worms, small mussels.

Dotterels are prone to human disturbance, habitat degradation, and mammalian predation. Their populations will increase where there are sufficient conservation measures in place.

(Information adapted from New Zealand Birds Online)