The life history ofKaniwhaniwhanus chapmaniBoothroyd is described through examination of larval population dynamics, larval drift, and adult emergence. Development of larvae occurred all year but peak larval densities occurred in February, July, and November and indicated several generations with longest generation times in the autumn. Emergence occurred all year and a bimodal diel emergence pattern was apparent at certain times.K. chapmanilarvae were present in the stream drift at all times but not in high densities, and generally only during daylight hours with an early morning/late afternoon drift pattern.K. chapmaniexhibits a generally non‐seasonal life history but rapid growth tends to occur when conditions of temperature and food quality are likely to be optimal resulting in shorter generation times and peaks in larval populations.