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new zealand native palm trees

New Zealand native palm trees bring a unique and elegant touch to local gardens, instantly giving any landscape a lush, subtropical feel. While our beautiful country is famed for its rich variety of native plants, native palms are particularly treasured for their beauty, resilience, and ability to thrive in New Zealand conditions. Whether you are starting a new garden, updating a coastal retreat, or looking to introduce a striking specimen plant, New Zealand native palm trees can suit almost any outdoor space.

Rhopalostylis sapida palms growing as a cluster.

Rhopalostylis sapida

Rhopalostylis sapida, commonly known as Nikau Palm, is a fast-growing and beautiful Palm tree. From a central trunk, it produces large and broad fronds with a gentle arch. They are dark green, handsome, and enable this NZ native to grow to about 10 m tall with a spread of 6 m. Rhopalostylis sapida is highly sought after and very popular. It is essential for any subtropical garden or where an attractive specimen is desired.

From $24.23

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Palms
Height: 10.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Garden uses: Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern, Native, Tropical
syagrus-romanzoffiana-

Syagrus romanzoffiana (Queen Palm)

Syagrus romanzoffiana (Queen Palm) is a graceful, fast growing palm known for its arching fronds and tropical appearance. This elegant tree adds height and movement to NZ gardens and is well suited to warmer regions. Ideal for feature planting and avenues, it creates a relaxed, resort style feel in outdoor spaces.

From $210.73

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Palms
Height: 15.00 m
Spread: 8.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Coastal, Mediterranean, Modern, Tropical
Howea forsteriana palm tree in a garden.
Howea forsteriana

Howea forsteriana, commonly known as the Kentia Palm, is a popular and elegant Palm tree. It has a thin, slender trunk that supports feathery...

From$158.89
Chinese Windmill Palms planted as a cluster.
Trachycarpus fortunei (Chinese Windmill Palm)

Trachycarpus fortunei, commonly known as the Windmill Palm, is a hardy, evergreen palm ideal for New Zealand gardens. It features a tall, slender...

From$48.53
Cycas revoluta (Sago Palm) in a luxurious garden.
Cycas revoluta

Cycas revoluta, commonly known as the Sago Palm, King Sago, Sago Cycad, or Japanese Sago Palm, is an impressive and popular, small Palm tree. It...

From$661.41
beaucarnea-recurvata-
Beaucarnea recurvata (Pony Palm)

Beaucarnea recurvata (Ponytail Palm) is a distinctive ornamental plant admired for its swollen trunk base and long arching leaves. This unique plant...

From$70.13
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$358.98
A lagre Podocarpus totara tree about 150 years of age.
Podocarpus totara

Podocarpus totara, commonly known as the Totara tree, is a majestic native tree of New Zealand, prized for its durable timber and cultural...

From$33.68
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
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$22.28
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$28.28
Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga) plants in flower with lush green foliage in a border garden.
Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga Lily)

Arthropodium cirratum, commonly known as Rengarenga Lily or New Zealand Rock Lily, is a clump-forming, evergreen perennial native to New Zealand. It...

From$13.43
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 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
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
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$16.13
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' trees with yellow foliage in autumn.
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' (Tulip Tree)

Liriodendron tulipifera fastigiata, also known as the Upright Tulip Tree, is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its narrow, columnar form. It...

From$432.79
A large Agathis australis (Kauri tree) in a native reserve.
Agathis australis (New Zealand Kauri)

Agathis australis, commonly known as the Kauri tree, is a revered New Zealand native conifer renowned for its immense size and longevity. Reaching...

From$411.93
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$358.98
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
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
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$29.63
Hoheria populnea green foliage with white flowers.
Hoheria populnea

Hoheria populnea, commonly known as New Zealand Lacebark, is a graceful native tree admired for its beauty and resilience. It produces masses of...

From$18.83
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$24.23
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
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$25.58
Entelea arborescens (Whau) shrub with lush green foliage and white flowers.
Entelea arborescens (Whau)

Entelea arborescens, commonly known as Whau, is a NZ native shrub that typically grows to 3 m tall and 2 m wide. It produces fragrant white flowers...

From$20.93
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$14.72
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$40.43
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
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
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$6.68
Rhopalostylis sapida

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Agathis, Aristotelia, Arthropodium, Beaucarnea, Cordyline, Cycas, Dacrycarpus, Dacrydium, Dysoxylum, Entelea, Hedycarya, Hoheria, Howea, Libocedrus, Liriodendron, Melia, Metrosideros, Myoporum, Nestegis, Phyllocladus, Pittosporum, Plagianthus, Podocarpus, Pseudopanax, Rhopalostylis, Sophora, Sorbus, Syagrus Trachycarpus and Vitex, or related Categories - Indoor Plants, Cycad, Palm Trees, Perennials, Evergreen Shrubs Deciduous Trees and Evergreen Trees.

Search new zealand native palm trees

Why Choose New Zealand Native Palm Trees?

Native palms are not only stunning but also well-adapted to New Zealand’s climate and soils. They stand up to wind, salt, and cooler temperatures, making them easy-care choices for gardens from Northland to the deep South. These palms bring soft, feathery texture to mixed plantings and look dramatic as standalone feature plants. Being native, they help support local birdlife with food and shelter and require less fuss than some exotic options.

The Nikau Palm: New Zealand’s True Native Palm

When people search for New Zealand native palm trees, they are almost always looking for the graceful Nikau palm, botanically known as Rhopalostylis sapida. The Nikau palm is the only palm species truly native to mainland New Zealand, famously found along the North Island coasts and extending down to Banks Peninsula. Its elegant, arching fronds, smooth trunk, and red fruit clusters make it a show stopper in both wild bush and cultivated settings.

The Nikau thrives in shade or part-sun, making it one of the easiest palms to grow in cooler and more sheltered gardens across the country. Since it is slow-growing, the Nikau pairs beautifully with other native trees and blends seamlessly into native plantings or mixed subtropical borders.

Complementing Natives with Other Palm Varieties

While Rhopalostylis sapida is New Zealand’s only mainland native palm, many gardeners enjoy including palms from other regions for extra impact or variety. The iconic Howea forsteriana, known as the Kentia palm, is beloved for its strong yet elegant habit and is frequently used in indoor and sheltered outdoor settings. Similarly, the cold-hardy Trachycarpus fortunei (Chinese Windmill Palm) offers year-round greenery and textural contrast when grouped with native species.

Style Your Garden with Palms and Native Companions

For a truly New Zealand look, pair your native Nikau palms with other native trees such as Metrosideros robusta, the grand northern rata. This combination provides both vertical interest and vital habitat for native birds and insects. For a low-maintenance, subtropical vibe, underplant with ferns, groundcovers, or even unique statement plants like Beaucarnea recurvata (Pony Palm) in warmer microclimates.

Discover the Best New Zealand Native Palm Trees

New Zealand native palm trees are a worthy centrepiece for any landscape. With their blend of hardiness and elegance, Nikau palms and their companions can transform gardens into evergreen oases year-round. Explore our range for Rhopalostylis sapida, companion palms such as Howea forsteriana and Trachycarpus fortunei (Chinese Windmill Palm), or find inspiration by browsing our native trees and subtropical selections today.

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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.

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