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native trees tauranga

Looking to transform your Tauranga garden with native trees that thrive in the local climate? Native trees Tauranga are not only beautiful and resilient, but they also provide essential habitat for local wildlife, help stabilise soil, and create a lush, low-maintenance landscape. Whether you’re a homeowner, landscaper, or environmental enthusiast, selecting the right native trees for Tauranga can make all the difference in your outdoor space. Discover popular native species, planting tips, and expert guidance from the region’s trusted nursery.

Knightia excelsa (Rewarewa) specimen tree in a park.

Knightia excelsa

Knightia excelsa, commonly known as Rewarewa, is an impressive NZ native tree featuring showy flowers and lush foliage. Unusual yet attractive, dark red flowers bloom across the tree in summer and are great for attracting birds. The flowers are complemented by long, narrow leaves that are mid-green and held densely on upright branches. This tree grows with a somewhat narrow habit, reaching approximately 30 m in height and 8 m in width. Knightia excelsa is commonly included in native revegetation projects, grown as a specimen in extensive gardens or parks, or planted to attract birds.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Trees
Height: 30.00 m
Spread: 8.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Shade, Wind
Garden uses: Parks, Ponds, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Coastal, Native
Prumnopitys taxifolia (Matai) juvenile tree growing as a specimen in a park.

Prumnopitys taxifolia (Matai)

Prumnopitys taxifolia, commonly known as Matai or Black Pine, is a stately, NZ native tree with quite different juvenile and adult forms. The juvenile form has orange branches held with a tangled appearance and silver-coloured foliage. The tree eventually develops dense, yellow-green foliage and distinctive hammer mark patterns on the trunk. It typically grows to 10 m tall and 6 m wide in 10 years, but will eventually reach 25-30 m tall after several more decades. The different forms make Prumnopitys taxifolia both an unusual and attractive plant that is ideal for including in a mixed planting in a large garden or for using in a native revegetation project.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 25.00 m
Spread: 6.00 m
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Parks, Ponds, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Forestry, Native
Vitex lucens (Puriri) lush, green foliage.

Vitex lucens

Vitex lucens, commonly known as Puriri, is a striking New Zealand native tree prized for its lush foliage, vibrant pink to red tubular flowers, and...

From$299.92

Laurelia novae-zelandiae

Laurelia novae-zelandiae, commonly known as Pukatea, is a magnificent NZ native tree admired for its glossy green leaves, fluted trunk, and...

From$24.23
carpodetus-serratus-4

Carpodetus serratus

Carpodetus serratus, commonly known as the Putaputaweta Tree or Marble Leaf, is an attractive, NZ native tree with spreading branches that host...

From$343.89
A large Prumnopitys ferruginea (Miro Tree) with lush, green foliage.

Prumnopitys ferruginea

Prumnopitys ferruginea, commonly known as Miro, is a majestic New Zealand native tree belonging to the Podocarp family. This long lived evergreen...

From$453.48
Cordyline australis trees growing as a cluster.

Cordyline australis

Cordyline australis, also known as the Cabbage Tree or tī kōuka, is a hardy and iconic New Zealand native. It features long, sword-like green leaves...

From$24.23
sorbus-scarlet-king-

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ)

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King is a variety of the commonly known, Mountain Ash, and is a small-sized, deciduous with impressive characteristics...

From$343.89
Nestegis montana narrow green leaves on a tree.

Nestegis montana (Narrow-Leaved Maire)

Nestegis montana is a hardy and attractive native tree of New Zealand, known for its upright growth habit and glossy green foliage. This evergreen...

From$299.92
fuscospora-cliffortioides-4

Fuscospora cliffortioides (Mountain Beech)

Commonly known as Mountain Beech, this is a large, evergreen tree native to NZ. The foliage comprises small, dark green leaves which are held densely...

From$358.98
Sophora longicarinata yellow flowers.

Sophora longicarinata (Limestone Kowhai)

Sophora longicarinata is a rare and beautiful NZ native tree belonging to the kowhai family. This evergreen to semi deciduous species is admired for...

From$358.98
Plagianthus regius as a small tree in a garden.

Plagianthus regius (Ribbonwood)

Plagianthus regius, commonly known as Ribbonwood or Manatu, is one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing native trees. It can reach 10–15 metres tall and...

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A Metrosideros robusta (Northern Rata) tree in full flower in a native reserve.

Metrosideros robusta

Metrosideros robusta, commonly known as Northern Rata, is a majestic New Zealand native tree renowned for its brilliant red flowers and large...

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Sophora fulvida tree with masses of yellow flowers.

Sophora fulvida

Sophora fulvida (Southern Kōwhai) is a beautiful New Zealand native tree admired for its golden yellow flowers and fine green foliage. Flowering in...

From$457.29
A Kunzea robusta shrub with masses of pretty, white flowers.

Kunzea robusta

Kunzea robusta, commonly known as Kanuka or the White Tea Tree, is a fast-growing, NZ native tree. It features small, dark green leaves that release...

From$205.02
Hedycarya arborea tree with lush green foliage.

Hedycarya arborea

Hedycarya arborea, commonly known as Pigeonwood, is a New Zealand native tree valued for its attractive foliage and wildlife benefits. This evergreen...

From$438.39
A large Dacrycarpus dacrydioides (Kahikatea) tree.

Dacrycarpus dacrydioides (Kahikatea)

Dacrycarpus dacrydioides, commonly known as Kahikatea or White Pine, is a slow-growing, NZ native tree capable of reaching 50 m tall. The foliage on...

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Hoheria sextylosa (Lacebark) branch with masses of white flowers and green foliage.

Hoheria sextylosa (Lacebark)

Hoheria sextylosa, commonly known as Lacebark or the Lace Bark Tree, is a quick growing, NZ native tree. The bark has a lace like appearance, hence...

From$18.83
Pittosporum eugenioides tree with lush, dark green foliage and cream-coloured flowers.

Pittosporum eugenioides (Tarata)

Pittosporum eugenioides, commonly known as Tarata or Lemonwood, is a fast-growing native New Zealand tree valued for its glossy green leaves and...

From$21.53
A tui feeding on the berries and flowers in a Pseudopanax arboreus (Whauwhaupaku) tree.

Pseudopanax arboreus (Five-Finger)

Pseudopanax arboreus, commonly known as Five Finger or Whauwhaupaku, is a fast-growing NZ native tree that typically reaches 4–6 m tall. It features...

From$18.83
Phyllocladus trichomanoides lush green foliage.

Phyllocladus trichomanoides (Celery Pine)

Phyllocladus trichomanoides, commonly called Celery Pine, is a striking New Zealand native tree valued for its unique, celery like foliage and tall...

From$457.29
acer-princeton-gold-

Acer platanoides Princeton Gold (Princeton Gold Maple Tree)

Acer platanoides Princeton Gold is a variety of the commonly known, Plane-Leaved Maple, and is a medium sized tree with fantastic foliage. The leaves...

From$391.14
A large Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa tree).

Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa Tree)

Beilschmiedia tawa, commonly known as the Tawa Tree, is a tall and graceful evergreen native to New Zealand. It is admired for its straight trunk...

From$277.74
A Sophora chathamica tree growing in a garden with green foliage.

Sophora chathamica

Sophora chathamica (Coastal Kōwhai) is a stunning New Zealand native tree known for its masses of bright yellow flowers that appear in early spring...

From$358.98
Myoporum laetum (Ngaio) tree with lush foliage and white flowers growing in a coastal location.

Myoporum laetum (Ngaio)

Myoporum laetum, commonly known as Ngaio, is a NZ native tree grown for its lush foliage and showy flowers. It features large, fleshy, green leaves...

From$28.28
magnolia-liliiflora-nigra-1

Magnolia liliiflora Nigra (Magnolia Tree Nigra)

Magnolia liliiflora Nigra, commonly known as Black Lily, is a stunning tree that bears masses of large and showy, purple flowers from late winter...

From$299.92
sequoiadendron-giganteum-

Sequoiadendron giganteum (Sequoia gigantea Tree)

Sequoiadendron giganteum, commonly known as the Giant Redwood, is a large, evergreen tree and aptly named for its red coloured wood. It features...

From$299.92
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu) tree juvenile foliage.

Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)

Dacrydium cupressinum, commonly known as Rimu or Red Pine, is an iconic and slow-growing tree. The juvenile form features drooping branches densely...

From$97.13
magnolia-deryk-2

Magnolia Deryk (Magnolia Tree Deryk)

Magnolia Deryk is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, dark red-purple flowers from late winter until early spring. The flowers are...

From$343.89
cedrela-sinensis-flamingo-7

Cedrela sinensis Flamingo (Toon Tree)

Cedrela sinensis Flamingo is a highly colourful, deciduous tree featuring bright, salmon-pink foliage in spring which ages to cream-yellow, and then...

From$28.28
magnolia-amethyst-flame-2

Magnolia Amethyst Flame (Amethyst Flame Magnolia Tree)

Magnolia Amethyst Flame is a smaller tree that bears masses of large and showy, bright red-purple flowers in late winter and early spring on the...

From$299.92
crassula-ovata-

Crassula ovata (Money Tree)

Crassula ovata is a versatile plant ideal for New Zealand gardens, offering unique features and easy care.

From$28.28
Knightia excelsa

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Beilschmiedia, Carpodetus, Cedrela, Cordyline, Crassula, Dacrycarpus, Dacrydium, Fuscospora, Hedycarya, Hoheria, Knightia, Kunzea, Laurelia, Magnolia, Metrosideros, Myoporum, Nestegis, Phyllocladus, Pittosporum, Plagianthus, Prumnopitys, Pseudopanax, Sequoiadendron, Sophora Sorbus and Vitex, or related Categories - Deciduous Shrubs, Succulents, Deciduous Trees, Evergreen Trees Magnolia Trees and Maple Tree.

Search native trees tauranga

Best Native Trees for Tauranga Gardens

Tauranga’s temperate coastal environment supports a wide range of native trees that are well-suited to both residential gardens and wider landscaping projects. Some of the top choices include hardy specimen trees, flowering natives, and canopy-forming varieties that bring classic New Zealand character to your property. If you’re seeking striking foliage or impressive height, consider the iconic Knightia excelsa (Rewarewa), renowned for its glossy leaves and rich red flower spikes that attract birds and pollinators.

For those looking to create shaded pathways or park-like settings, Prumnopitys taxifolia (Matai) is an excellent choice. This sturdy evergreen is a classic native, admired for its dense foliage and ability to provide shelter and food for native birds.

Why Plant Native Trees in Tauranga?

Native trees offer unique advantages for Tauranga gardens. Because they are adapted to local soil and climate conditions, native trees Tauranga require less water and maintenance compared to exotic species. They support biodiversity by attracting kiwi, tui, fantails, and other native birds. Additionally, their deep root systems help prevent erosion—a valuable benefit in coastal and hillside areas.

Selecting the right native species also ensures your garden will withstand weather extremes and thrive year-round. For those focused on ecological restoration or sustainable landscaping, indigenous trees like Vitex lucens (Pūriri) can be especially rewarding. Pūriri stands out with vibrant green foliage and bright pink flowers, making it ideal for planting alongside walkways, patios, or rural shelterbelts.

Tips for Choosing Native Trees Tauranga

When choosing native trees for Tauranga, consider your site’s exposure, soil type, and desired tree height. For small gardens or urban courtyards, compact species like Carpodetus serratus (Putaputaweta) are a smart pick. This attractive tree has distinctive mottled bark and delicate leaves, bringing texture and interest to mixed plantings. If you’re aiming for a lush canopy or wind protection, Laurelia novae-zelandiae (Pukatea) offers robust growth and graceful towering form.

Expert Help and Native Tree Selection

As Tauranga’s plant experts, we help locals find the perfect native trees for every project—from home gardens to large-scale restoration. Our nursery stocks a wide range of healthy, site-proven natives. Whether you want flowering trees for birdlife, shade trees for play areas, or heritage specimens for public spaces, explore our handpicked selection including Knightia excelsa, Prumnopitys taxifolia (Matai), Vitex lucens, Laurelia novae-zelandiae, and Carpodetus serratus.

Talk to our team for advice on planting, care, and project planning. Make your Tauranga garden thrive with the best native trees, expertly selected for your site and needs.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

–The Plant Company

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