Trees

About New Zealand Native Trees

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.

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 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.

Kauri (Agathis australis)

Kauri

Agathis australis

Ancient forest giant with massive trunk and distinctive foliage, once covering much of upper North Island.

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Kōwhai (Sophora microphylla)

Kōwhai

Sophora microphylla

New Zealand's unofficial national flower, known for spectacular golden blooms in spring and beloved by native birds.

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 (Didymocheton spectabilis)

Didymocheton

Didymocheton spectabilis

Iconic palm-like tree with tufted foliage, highly adaptable and culturally significant as .

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Pōhutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa)

Pōhutukawa

Metrosideros excelsa

New Zealand's iconic coastal tree, known as the 'New Zealand Christmas Tree' for its brilliant red flowers.

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Northern Rātā (Metrosideros robusta)

Northern Rātā

Metrosideros robusta

A remarkable tree that begins life as an epiphyte and eventually becomes a forest giant with crimson flowers.

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Ngaio (Myoporum laetum)

Ngaio

Myoporum laetum

Fast-growing coastal tree with glossy leaves and white flowers, excellent for shelter and hedging.

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Nīkau Palm (Rhopalostylis sapida)

Nīkau Palm

Rhopalostylis sapida

New Zealand's only native palm, iconic for its tropical look and cultural significance.

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Tōtara (Podocarpus totara)

Tōtara

Podocarpus totara

Large, long-lived native tree valued for its durable timber and cultural significance. Provides habitat for native birds.

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Pūriri (Vitex lucens)

Pūriri

Vitex lucens

A broad-leaved native tree with beautiful pink flowers and berries, important for birds and Māori culture.

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Mountain

Cordyline indivisa

Mountain cabbage tree is a broad-leaved species with blue-green foliage, found in cool, moist mountain regions.

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Mamaku / Black tree fern

Cyathea medullaris

Mamaku, or black tree fern, is New Zealand's tallest tree fern, with a thick black trunk and large, arching fronds.

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Dracophyllum filifolium

Grass tree

Grass tree (Dracophyllum filifolium) is a slender, grass-like shrub with tufts of fine leaves, common in alpine and subalpine areas.

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Kāmahi (Pterophylla racemosa)

Kāmahi

Pterophylla racemosa

Important canopy tree in New Zealand forests, previously known as Weinmannia racemosa.

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Bush Lawyer (Rubus cissoides)

Bush Lawyer

Rubus cissoides

Vigorous native climbing plant with prickly stems and edible red berries. Provides food and habitat for native birds in forest ecosystems.

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