What is "waitoreke"

n. A cryptid of New Zealand, said to resemble an otter or beaver.

The waitoreke (or waitoreki, waitorete) is an otter/ beaver-like cryptid said to live in New Zealand. It is usually described as a small otter-like animal that lives in the South Island of New Zealand. There are many theories on the waitoreke's true identity, such as it being an otter, beaver or pinniped.