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coastal nz native trees

Searching for coastal NZ native trees to enhance your seaside garden? New Zealand’s unique environment is home to a stunning variety of native trees that thrive along its rugged coastline. Whether you want to create shelter from coastal winds, attract native birds, or add iconic beauty to your landscape, choosing the right trees is essential. Our experts have handpicked a selection of resilient, attractive coastal NZ native trees that will flourish in salty air and sandy soils, bringing both ecological benefits and timeless Kiwi character to your garden.

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

Metrosideros robusta

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Metrosideros robusta, commonly known as Northern Rata, is a majestic New Zealand native tree renowned for its brilliant red flowers and large, spreading canopy. Typically found in coastal and lowland forests, it can grow up to 25 metres tall with a broad, rounded form. Northern Rata is ideal as a statement tree in large gardens or revegetation projects. It attracts native birds, tolerates wind and coastal conditions, and provides striking seasonal colour in summer.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Trees
Height: 20.00 m
Spread: 6.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Shade, Wind
Garden uses: Screening
Garden styles: Coastal, Native
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. This coastal kōwhai is fast growing, hardy, and highly attractive to native birds such as tūī and kererū. With its lush green foliage and spectacular floral display, Sophora chathamica (Coastal Kōwhai) is perfect for creating a feature tree in NZ gardens. It is well suited to coastal areas and thrives in a range of conditions.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 10.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Parks, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native
Corynocarpus laevigatus (Karaka) tree with lush foliage.

Corynocarpus laevigatus

Corynocarpus laevigatus, commonly known as Karaka, is a handsome, NZ native tree that features large and glossy, green leaves. The lush foliage is...

From$36.38
Melicytus ramiflorus (Mahoe) tree with lush, green foliage.

Melicytus ramiflorus

Melicytus ramiflorus, commonly known as Mahoe or Whiteywood, is a mid-sized, NZ native tree featuring lush foliage which is bright green and tends to...

From$26.93
Metrosideros excelsa (Pohutukawa) specimen tree with masses of red flowers in a coastal location.

Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

Metrosideros excelsa, commonly known as Pōhutukawa or the New Zealand Christmas Tree, is a coastal evergreen renowned for its brilliant red flowers...

From$26.93
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...

From$63.38
A large Metrosideros 'Maori Princess' trees in an avenue with masses of red flowers.

Metrosideros 'Maori Princess'

Metrosideros 'Maori Princess' is a stunning cultivar of the NZ Christmas tree (Pohutukawa) and is renowned for its brilliant crimson-red flowers and...

From$28.28
Pseudopanax lessonii lush, green foliage.

Pseudopanax lessonii (Coastal Five Finger)

Pseudopanax lessonii, commonly known as Five-Finger or Houpara, is a lush, native New Zealand shrub or small tree prized for its tropical appearance...

From$26.93
Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka) shrubs in a native reserve.

Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka)

Leptospermum scoparium, commonly known as Manuka or New Zealand Tea Tree, is a hardy native shrub prized for its aromatic foliage and masses of white...

From$21.53
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
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
banksia-integrifolia-3

Banksia integrifolia (Coastal Banksia)

Banksia integrifolia (Coastal Banksia) is a hardy evergreen tree admired for its striking yellow flower spikes and tough coastal nature. This...

From$343.89
Metrosideros kermadecensis 'variegata' red flowers and variegated foliage.

Metrosideros kermadecensis variegata (Variegated Pohutukawa)

Metrosideros kermadecensis 'Variegata' is a striking NZ native shrub or small tree admired for its glossy green leaves edged with creamy variegation...

From$28.28
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
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
Pittosporum crassifolium (Karo) olive-green foliage and red flowers.

Pittosporum crassifolium (Karo)

Pittosporum crassifolium, commonly known as Karo, is a hardy, evergreen shrub or small tree native to New Zealand. It features dense, grey-green...

From$21.53
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
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
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...

From$329.63
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
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
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
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
Sequoia sempervirens trees in a forest.

Sequoia sempervirens (Coastal Redwood)

Sequoia sempervirens, commonly known as California Redwood, is one of the world’s tallest and most majestic trees. Native to the west coast of the...

From$141.61
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
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
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...

From$205.02
Melia azedarach tree.

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach, commonly known as Bead Tree, White Cedar or Persian Lilac, is a fast-growing deciduous tree admired for its feathery foliage and...

From$343.89
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
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
ulmus-lobel-

Ulmus Lobel (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus Lobel is a variety of Dutch Elm tree grown for its colourful foliage and narrow form. The leaves emerge a fresh green colour in spring, age to...

From$343.89
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
Metrosideros robusta

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Banksia, Beilschmiedia, Cordyline, Corynocarpus, Crassula, Dacrycarpus, Dacrydium, Knightia, Kunzea, Leptospermum, Magnolia, Melia, Melicytus, Metrosideros, Myoporum, Nestegis, Phyllocladus, Pittosporum, Prumnopitys, Pseudopanax, Sequoia, Sequoiadendron, Sophora, Sorbus Ulmus and Vitex, or related Categories - Evergreen Shrubs, Succulents, Deciduous Trees Evergreen Trees and Magnolia Trees.

Search coastal nz native trees

Why Choose Coastal NZ Native Trees?

Coastal NZ native trees have evolved to withstand challenging conditions—high winds, salt spray, and poor soils are no barriers to these hardy plants. These species provide crucial habitats for native wildlife, support biodiversity, and offer natural protection for your property. Planting native trees along the coast not only preserves New Zealand’s unique flora but also helps prevent erosion and buffers your garden from weather extremes.

Top Coastal NZ Native Trees for Gardens and Landscapes

Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

The iconic Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa), with its vibrant red blooms, is synonymous with Kiwi Christmas and coastal landscapes. Pōhutukawa is renowned for its tolerance of salt-laden winds and dry conditions, making it ideal for beachfront gardens. Its wide-spreading canopy provides shade, while its flowers attract tūī, bellbirds, and bees.

Sophora chathamica

Sophora chathamica, a coastal kowhai, offers graceful foliage and bright yellow flowers in early spring. This medium-sized tree thrives in sandy soils and is a favourite for coastal planting, providing nectar for native birds and an elegant structure in any garden.

Metrosideros robusta

The northern rātā, Metrosideros robusta, is another superb coastal NZ native tree. Once established, it can handle wind, salt, and poor soils. Its brilliant red flowers and dense foliage make it an outstanding feature in seaside landscapes.

Corynocarpus laevigatus

Known as karaka, Corynocarpus laevigatus is a large, evergreen tree prized for its glossy leaves and orange berries. Karaka adapts well to coastal conditions and offers excellent shelter and privacy, as well as food for birds.

Melicytus ramiflorus

Melicytus ramiflorus, or māhoe, is a fast-growing native with lush foliage. Ideal for windbreaks and shelterbelts, māhoe is central to coastal ecosystem health and works well as a companion to larger canopy trees.

Planting and Care Tips for Coastal NZ Native Trees

For the best results, choose coastal NZ native trees with proven resilience. Prepare the planting site by improving drainage and considering shelter from the worst winds during establishment. Mulching helps retain moisture and reduces salt damage. Regular watering during the first year ensures strong root growth, and by combining different species, you can create beautiful, layered planting schemes that support local wildlife.

Explore our range of coastal NZ native trees for your seaside home, holiday retreat, or coastal restoration project, and bring the best of New Zealand’s coast to your garden.


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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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