It is endemic to New Zealand, with breeding restricted to only two remaining colonies in the Kaikoura Seaward Ranges, Kaikoura. During the non-breeding winter months migration occurs to South Australia. Some anecdotal evidence suggests pre-breeding birds circumnavigate Australia in the years leading up to sexual maturity.
Its natural habitats are open seas, and colonies occur within the sub-alpine to alpine range.
It is threatened primarily by habitat loss and stoat (Mustela erminea) predation.
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