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native trees for birds nz

Looking to create a haven for native birds in your own backyard? Selecting the right native trees for birds NZ enthusiasts is the best way to attract tūī, kererū, bellbirds, fantails, and more. Many New Zealand native trees provide essential food, shelter, and nesting sites, supporting our unique birdlife throughout the seasons. Whether you’re landscaping a large section or adding to a compact garden, planting bush-friendly trees will encourage feathered friends to visit all year round.

Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire) trees growing in a modern garden.

Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire)

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Beilschmiedia tarairi, commonly known as the Taraire tree, is a unique, NZ native tree. Its prominent feature is the masses of olive-like, purple fruits through autumn and winter, which are favoured by birds. Also of interest are the leaves, which, when young, are covered in red-brown hairs that disappear as the tree ages.

From $270.40

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 20.00 m
Spread: 7.00 m
Garden uses: Parks, Ponds, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Native
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 tree produces glossy green leaves and clusters of small, fragrant flowers in spring, followed by orange fruit that attract kererū and other native birds.

From $494.05

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Trees
Height: 5.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Garden uses: Ponds, Screening
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native
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$270.40
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$323.65
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$323.65
A fantastic Titoki tree (Alectryon excelsus) growing as a speciment tree in an urban park.
Alectryon excelsus

Alectryon excelsus, commonly known as the Titoki tree, is a handsome New Zealand native tree valued for its lush, glossy foliage and tidy, rounded...

From$14.95
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$169.24
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$270.40
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$16.49
Pseudopanax crassifolius growing in a garden with dark green foliage.
Pseudopanax crassifolius (Lancewood)

Pseudopanax crassifolius, commonly known as Lancewood or Horoeka, is a distinctive New Zealand native tree renowned for its dramatic transformation...

From$26.15
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$270.40
Sophora microphylla specimen tree covered in yellow flowers.
Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai)

Sophora microphylla, commonly known as Weeping Kowhai, is a treasured New Zealand native tree admired for its graceful, drooping branches and masses...

From$28.91
A Kunzea robusta shrub with masses of pretty, white flowers.
Kunzea robusta

Kunzea robusta (White Tea Tree) is a fast growing NZ native tree known for its fine foliage and masses of small white flowers that attract bees and...

From$8.97
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$408.85
Sophora tetraptera (Large-leaved Kowhai) yellow flowers.
Sophora tetraptera (Large Leaved Kōwhai)

Sophora tetraptera, commonly known as the Large Leaved Kowhai, is a striking New Zealand native tree admired for its bold foliage and spectacular...

From$24.15
Coprosma robusta (Karamu) shrub growing as a specimen in a garden.
Coprosma robusta (Karamu)

Coprosma robusta, commonly known as Karamu, is a versatile New Zealand native shrub or small tree reaching up to 6 metres in height. It features...

From$7.50
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$309.51
Full sized Pseudopanax ferox (Fierce Lancewood) at four years old.
Pseudopanax ferox (Toothed Lancewood)

Pseudopanax ferox, commonly known as Fierce or Toothed Lancewood, is a NZ native tree that features interesting juvenile and mature forms. The...

From$30.29
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$23.39
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$298.09
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$313.00
A Sophora godleyi specimen tree covered in yellow flowers.
Sophora godleyi (Godleys Kowhai)

Sophora godleyi is a magnificent New Zealand native tree valued for its graceful weeping branches and bright yellow flowers that appear in spring...

From$323.65
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...

From$323.65
Aristotelia serrata (Wineberry) tree with masses of black berries.
Aristotelia serrata (Wineberry)

Aristotelia serrata, commonly known as Wineberry or Makomako, is a fast-growing, deciduous native tree of New Zealand. It features serrated green...

From$22.01
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$30.29
Metrosideros 'Maungapiko' specimen tree covered in red flowers.
Metrosideros 'Maungapiko'

Metrosideros ‘Maungapiko’ is a compact New Zealand native pohutukawa cultivar valued for its dense habit, glossy green foliage, and vivid red summer...

From$255.51
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...

From$24.77
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$99.29
Sophora molloyi 'Dragons Gold' small trees in full flower at The Plant Company.
Sophora 'Dragon's Gold'

Sophora 'Dragons Gold' is a highly ornamental NZ native shrub renowned for its early and vibrant golden yellow flowers. Blooming in late winter and...

From$26.15
Dysoxylum spectabile tree.
Dysoxylum spectabile (New Zealand Mahogany)

Dysoxylum spectabile, commonly known as Kohekohe, is a majestic NZ native tree admired for its glossy dark green leaves and clusters of fragrant...

From$323.65
Libocedrus plumosa (Kawaka) tree with green-yellow foliage.
Libocedrus plumosa (Kawaka)

Libocedrus plumosa, commonly known as Kawaka, is a majestic NZ native conifer valued for its graceful, feathery foliage and elegant pyramidal form...

From$323.65
Melia azedarach tree.
Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree, White Cedar) is a graceful deciduous tree valued for its attractive fern like foliage, fragrant clusters of lilac...

From$387.55
Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Alectryon, Beilschmiedia, and Cordyline, or related Categories - Evergreen Trees.

Search native trees for birds nz

Why Plant Native Trees for Birds in NZ?

Native trees have evolved alongside New Zealand’s bird species, offering the specific fruits, nectar, and insects our birds rely on. Many exotic plants simply can’t provide the same benefits, which is why focusing on native trees for birds NZ is crucial. A thoughtfully planted garden helps combat habitat loss and can transform your property into a biodiversity hotspot. You’ll enjoy birdsong, aid conservation efforts, and support healthy ecosystems—all by choosing the right trees.

Top Native Trees for Birds NZ Gardens

If you want to attract tui and bellbirds, seek out nectar-rich trees that flower at different times of the year. For kererū, plant fruiting species with fleshy berries. Fantails, silvereyes, and other insect-eaters need dense foliage to shelter and forage. Here are top picks for native trees for birds NZ gardeners should consider:

Planting Tips to Support Birdlife

To create a successful bird-friendly garden, aim for a variety of native trees with different flowering and fruiting times. Layer taller canopy trees with smaller shrubs and ground covers to mimic natural bush, offering food and shelter at multiple levels. Avoid harsh chemicals, and let leaf litter provide natural mulch for insects, a vital food source for birds like fantails and grey warblers.

Position fruit-bearing trees such as Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire) where they are easily visible and accessible. Pair nectar-rich species like Knightia excelsa with kōwhai to ensure there’s always a food source no matter the season.

Start Your Bird-friendly Garden Today

By choosing the best native trees for birds NZ, you’ll not only enhance your outdoor space but also make a tangible difference to our precious birdlife. Explore our selection of native trees, including Hedycarya arborea, Sophora chathamica, and Sophora longicarinata (Limestone Kowhai) to start your backyard bird sanctuary today.

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Let Chamaemelum nobile (Chamomile) and Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga Lily) draw you in — then let Feijoa 'Apollo', Cornus alba 'Sibirica', and Nerium 'Madonna' keep you inspired.
–The Plant Company

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