New Zealand’s native trees are vital to the country’s unique ecosystems, providing habitat, stabilizing soils, and supporting biodiversity. The forests are home to ancient giants like kauri (Agathis australis), tōtara (Podocarpus totara), and rimu (Dacrydium cupressinum), as well as fast-growing pioneers such as mānuka (Leptospermum scoparium) and kānuka (Kunzea ericoides). These trees are valued for their ecological roles, cultural significance, and use in restoration and landscaping projects across the country.
Many of New Zealand's native trees are evergreen, with distinctive forms that define the character of our landscapes. They provide habitat for native birds and insects, help prevent erosion, and hold immense cultural significance for both Māori and European New Zealanders.
Explore our collection of native New Zealand trees below to learn about their care requirements, cultural significance, and how to incorporate them into your garden or landscape.
Ancient forest giant with massive trunk and distinctive foliage, once covering much of upper North Island.
Learn moreNew Zealand's unofficial national flower, known for spectacular golden blooms in spring and beloved by native birds.
Learn moreIconic palm-like tree with tufted foliage, highly adaptable and culturally significant as .
Learn moreNew Zealand's iconic coastal tree, known as the 'New Zealand Christmas Tree' for its brilliant red flowers.
Learn moreA remarkable tree that begins life as an epiphyte and eventually becomes a forest giant with crimson flowers.
Learn moreFast-growing coastal tree with glossy leaves and white flowers, excellent for shelter and hedging.
Learn moreNew Zealand's only native palm, iconic for its tropical look and cultural significance.
Learn moreLarge, long-lived native tree valued for its durable timber and cultural significance. Provides habitat for native birds.
Learn moreA broad-leaved native tree with beautiful pink flowers and berries, important for birds and Māori culture.
Learn moreCordyline indivisa
Mountain cabbage tree is a broad-leaved species with blue-green foliage, found in cool, moist mountain regions.
Cyathea medullaris
Mamaku, or black tree fern, is New Zealand's tallest tree fern, with a thick black trunk and large, arching fronds.
Grass tree
Grass tree (Dracophyllum filifolium) is a slender, grass-like shrub with tufts of fine leaves, common in alpine and subalpine areas.
Important canopy tree in New Zealand forests, previously known as Weinmannia racemosa.
Learn moreVigorous native climbing plant with prickly stems and edible red berries. Provides food and habitat for native birds in forest ecosystems.
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