Kiwifruit originally comes from China, specifically the temperate Yangtze Valley region. The fruit was traditionally known in China as "yangtao" and valued as a local delicacy and for medicinal purposes. Kiwifruit was introduced to New Zealand in the early 20th century when seeds were brought from China in 1904. New Zealand then cultivated the fruit extensively, and the name "kiwi" was adopted internationally in the 1960s, inspired by the native kiwi bird of New Zealand. Today, New Zealand is a major producer of kiwifruit, but it is also grown in several other countries worldwide.

The kiwi bird itself, unrelated to the fruit except in name, is native and endemic to New Zealand and is a highly distinctive flightless bird known for its unique adaptations and cultural significance.