There is something pretty special about planting a tree that belongs here.
New Zealand has an incredible range of native trees, from bright spring flowers to hardy evergreens that can handle some of our wildest weather. But choosing the right one isn’t always as simple as picking the nicest-looking tree at the nursery.
Is your garden exposed? Are you after a flowering feature? Need some privacy from the neighbours? Or perhaps you’re planting beside the coast and need something that can cope with the conditions?
We’ve made it a little easier. Here are some of our favourite New Zealand natives, grouped by what you actually want them to do in your garden.
View all of our native plants →
Why plant New Zealand native trees?
Native trees can bring colour, shelter, structure and wildlife into your garden, while creating a strong sense of place.
They’re also incredibly varied. Some are happy in exposed coastal conditions, others prefer shelter, and some can grow into seriously impressive trees if given enough room.
The trick is simple: choose the right tree for the right spot.
Best New Zealand Native Trees for Flowers
If you’re after a native tree that brings a little more colour to the garden, these are three to put on your list.
Kōwhai
Kōwhai is probably one of the first trees that comes to mind when you think of New Zealand natives — and for good reason.
Its brilliant yellow flowers are one of the great signs of spring, lighting up the garden and providing an important nectar source for native birds such as tūī and bellbirds.
Good to know: Kōwhai generally enjoys a sunny position and good drainage. Young trees can be more susceptible to harsh frost, so a little shelter while they establish is helpful.
Best for: Spring colour, birdlife and a classic New Zealand garden.
Mānuka
Mānuka brings a completely different look, with masses of delicate white to pinkish flowers against small, fine foliage.
It’s also one of the tougher characters in the native plant world, making it particularly useful when your garden is exposed to wind or you’re working with less-than-perfect soil.
Good to know: Mānuka prefers full sun and reasonably free-draining soil. Once established, it can cope with dry and exposed conditions, but doesn’t enjoy sitting in constantly wet ground.
Best for: Flowering, exposed sites and naturalistic gardens.
Metrosideros
If you want a native tree with a bit more drama, Pōhutukawa is hard to ignore.
Its bold flowers bring brilliant colour to the garden and are a favourite with nectar-loving birds. With several species and forms available, it can range from a compact garden tree to a much larger specimen.
Good to know: Give it plenty of sun and reasonable drainage. It is particularly well suited to coastal and mild conditions, although individual species vary in their tolerance.
Best for: Big floral impact, birdlife and coastal character.
Explore our Metrosideros range →
Best Native Trees for Screening
Sometimes you want a native tree because it’s beautiful.
And sometimes you want it because you would really rather not look directly into your neighbour’s kitchen window.
For privacy, shelter and year-round greenery, these are some of the standouts.
Griselinia
Griselinia is a New Zealand garden classic for a reason.
Its dense growth and glossy evergreen leaves make it one of the go-to choices for hedges, screening and shelter. It also has a naturally tidy appearance, so you can let it grow into a substantial screen or keep it clipped and structured.
Good to know: It is adaptable to sun or partial shade and handles wind and coastal conditions well. Keep young plants well watered while they establish, particularly through dry summers. Avoid planting in wet or clay soils.
Best for: Privacy, hedges, shelter and evergreen structure.
Pittosporum
Pittosporums are incredibly versatile natives, with different forms and colours suited to everything from screening and shelter to specimen planting.
They can put on good growth when they’re happy, making them useful when you’re trying to create some privacy without waiting forever.
Good to know: Most prefer a sunny position and reasonably free-draining soil. Very exposed sites can be tough on young plants, so some shelter during establishment is beneficial.
Best for: Screening, shelter and fast garden structure.
Tītoki
Tītoki is a lovely choice when you want screening that feels a little more natural and less like a traditional hedge.
Its glossy evergreen foliage gives you year-round structure, while its attractive form makes it worthwhile as a feature even when you aren’t trying to hide anything.
Good to know: Tītoki prefers a sheltered position with reasonable moisture and drainage. It is better suited to protected gardens than extremely exposed sites.
Best for: Evergreen screening, shelter and specimen planting.
Native Trees for Coastal Gardens
Gardening beside the coast can be beautiful — but the plants don’t always agree.
Salt-laden wind, exposed conditions and sandy or free-draining soils can make life difficult for trees that aren’t suited to the environment.
These natives are much more at home in those conditions.
Pūriri
Pūriri is a beautiful evergreen native with plenty of character. It can become a substantial tree over time, making it a great option when you have the space for something more permanent.
It’s also valuable for wildlife, with flowers and fruit that contribute to the food available for native birds.
Good to know: Pūriri prefers warmer conditions and doesn’t handle hard frost particularly well, especially when young. Give it a sheltered position in colder areas and plenty of room to develop.
Best for: Larger coastal gardens, wildlife and evergreen structure.
Pittosporum crassifolium
Commonly known as Karo, this is a true coastal specialist.
It naturally occurs around New Zealand’s coastline and has thick, leathery foliage that helps it cope with exposed conditions. Its dense growth also makes it useful for shelter and screening.
Good to know: Karo is happiest in full sun and is particularly well suited to exposed coastal sites. It copes well with wind and salt-laden conditions once established.
Best for: Coastal gardens, shelter and exposed sites.
Shop Pittosporum crassifolium →
Tōtara
If you’ve got room, Tōtara is one of those trees that can completely change the character of a property.
It’s long-lived, tough and unmistakably New Zealand, making it an excellent choice for larger gardens, lifestyle blocks and landscape projects. They are even used for cloud-pruning, making unique shapes for architectural gardens.
Good to know: Tōtara is adaptable to a range of soils and conditions, but check the eventual size before planting. This is not a tree to squeeze into a tiny backyard and hope for the best.
Best for: Large gardens, lifestyle properties and long-term landscape planting.
Choosing the right Native Tree
Before you choose your tree, have a quick look at the site you’re planting into.
How much space do you have?
Think about the mature size, not the size of the plant sitting in its pot. That little tree has a lot of growing up to do.
How much sun does the site get?
Most flowering natives will perform best with plenty of sunlight, while some screening trees are happy with a little more shade.
Is the site windy or coastal?
If you’re dealing with strong winds or salt exposure, choose a species that is naturally suited to those conditions rather than trying to convince a delicate tree that it really should be tougher.
What is your soil like?
Check whether the site is dry, damp, heavy or free draining. Good drainage is particularly important for many native trees, while others are more tolerant of heavier or wetter conditions.
Is frost an issue?
Don’t just think about how cold your area gets. Frost pockets can occur in surprisingly localised spots. A sheltered position can make a big difference, particularly while young trees are establishing.
Not sure what will suit your site? Contact the Leafland Team →
Ready to plant?
Whether you’re creating privacy, adding some spring colour or planting into an exposed coastal garden, there is a New Zealand native to suit the job.
The best place to start is with your site and what you want the tree to do. Once you know that, choosing the right plant becomes much easier.
At Leafland Nursery, we grow a wide range of New Zealand native plants for home gardens, landscapers, councils and larger planting projects.
Plant availability varies throughout the year. Please check our current stocklist or contact the Leafland team for current availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest growing native tree in New Zealand?
Mānuka, Kānuka and some Pittosporums can grow relatively quickly in the right conditions. Growth rate does depend on the species, climate, soil and care.
When is the best time to plant native trees in New Zealand?
Autumn and winter are generally excellent times to plant, when the soil is cooler and naturally moist. This gives trees time to establish before the warmer, drier months arrive.
How do I plant a native tree?
Good planting makes a big difference to how a tree establishes. For a simple step-by-step guide covering planting depth, watering, mulching and staking, see our Tree Planting Guide →.