Introduction
Overview
New Zealand’s coastal plants are adapted to wind, salt spray, and sandy or rocky soils. These hardy species stabilise shorelines, support coastal wildlife, and add resilient structure and colour to exposed seaside gardens.
Taupata
Coprosma repens
Glossy-leaved coastal shrub with orange berries; excellent for exposed seaside gardens and hedging.
Learn more
Pāngao
Ficinia spiralis
Golden sand sedge that forms dense tussocks; essential for natural dune stabilization and restoration.
Learn more
Spinifex Grass
Spinifex sericeus
Hardy coastal grass with silvery foliage; forms pioneering colonies on mobile sand dunes.
Learn more
Houpara
Pseudopanax lessonii
Endemic to Three Kings Islands with thick, succulent leaves; rare coastal shrub adapted to island conditions.
Learn more
Pōhutukawa
Metrosideros excelsa
Iconic coastal tree with brilliant red flowers; forms the backbone of many coastal forests and clifftops.
Learn more
Cook's Scurvy Grass
Lepidium oleraceum
Critically endangered coastal herb with succulent leaves; historically important as vitamin C source for sailors.
Learn more
Native Pigface
Mesembryanthemum australe
Succulent groundcover with bright purple flowers; thrives on rocky shores and sandy beaches.
Learn more
Shore Pimpernel
Samolus repens
Small coastal herb with white flowers; found in salt marshes and on damp clifftops near the sea.
Learn more