Trees

About New Zealand Native Trees

About New Zealand Native Trees Overview

New Zealands native trees are vital to the countrys 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 mÄnuka (Leptospermum scoparium) and kÄnuka (Kunzea ericoides). These trees are valued for their ecological roles, cultural significance, and use in restoration and landscaping projects across the country.

Featured New Zealand Native Trees

New Zealand's native trees are remarkable for their diversity, uniqueness, and adaptability to the country's varied landscapes. From the towering Kauri giants to the iconic and the golden-flowering Kōwhai, these species have evolved in isolation for millions of years, creating a flora unlike any other on earth.

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 MÄori 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. For our complete native plant collection, visit our main plant guide.