Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

nikau palm christchurch

Thinking about the unique and architectural beauty of the nikau palm in Christchurch? You’re not alone. The nikau palm is the only native palm in New Zealand, and its elegant form, glossy fronds, and striking trunk make it a sought-after feature for gardens across Canterbury. Whether you’re transforming a contemporary landscape or aiming for a more lush, subtropical look in your Christchurch outdoor space, nikau palms are an eye-catching choice that suits our southern climate surprisingly well.

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.

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
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 trunk topped with large, fan-shaped green leaves that create a tropical look. This palm grows slowly to about 8 m tall and 2 m wide. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, tolerates frost and wind well, and is perfect for subtropical themes or feature planting.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Palms
Height: 12.00 m
Spread: 5.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods
Garden uses: Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Coastal, Mediterranean, Modern, Tropical
palm-tree-fertiliser-1
Palm Tree Fertiliser (Palm Tree Fertiliser)

Choosing the correct Palm tree fertiliser is essential for producing better quality foliage, stronger fronds, and a much healthier and brighter...

From$13.40
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...

From$202.44
A fabulous Dracaena marginata (Madagascar Dragon Tree).
Dracaena marginata

Dracaena marginata, commonly known as the Madagascar Dragon Tree, features sword-like leaves which are borne as a cluster atop a slender trunk. It...

From$30.29
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$638.89
Cordyline stricta plants growing in their native setting.
Cordyline stricta

Cordyline stricta, commonly known as the Slender Palm Lily, features narrow, strap like, green leaves held on upright stems which gives a very lush...

From$44.09
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$71.69
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$152.64
Dypsis baronii (Sugar Cane Palm) with lush, green foliage.
Dypsis baronii

Dypsis baronii, commonly known as The Sugar Cane Palm, is a stunning plant which is well suited to smaller gardens. It is renowned for its multiple...

From$185.84
rhopalostylis-pitti-1
Rhopalostylis chathamica Pitti (Rhopalostylis)

Rhopalostylis Pitti, commonly known as Nikau Palm, is a NZ native that is a fast growing and very attractive Palm tree. From a central trunk it...

OUT OF STOCK
Rhopalostylis 'Chatham Islands' nikau palm tree.
Rhopalostylis sapida Chatham Islands (Nīkau)

Rhopalostylis sapida 'Chatham Islands' is a striking form of the iconic New Zealand Nikau Palm, naturally found on the Chatham Islands. This variety...

OUT OF STOCK
rhopalostylis-pitt-island-1
Rhopalostylis Pitt Island (Pitt Island Nikau Palm)

Rhopalostylis Pitt Island, commonly known as The Pitt Island Nikau, is one of the hardier Nikau Palm varieties. From a central trunk it produces...

OUT OF STOCK
Rhopalostylis cheesmanii specimen palms.
Rhopalostylis cheesmanii

Rhopalostylis cheesmanii, commonly known as the Kermadec Nikau, is a rare and beautiful palm native to the Kermadec Islands of New Zealand. This...

OUT OF STOCK
rhopalostylis-norfolk-island-
Rhopalostylis baueri Norfolk Island (Rhopalostylis Norfolk Island)

Rhopalostylis baueri Norfolk Island is a NZ native Nikau Palm that is fast growing and very attractive. From a central trunk it produces broad fronds...

OUT OF STOCK
Rhopalostylis 'Great Barrier' palms with lush, green foliage for sale.
Rhopalostylis sapida Great Barrier (Nikau Palm Tree)

Rhopalostylis sapida 'Great Barrier' is a striking native palm valued for its thick trunk glossy green fronds and robust form. Selected from Great...

OUT OF STOCK
Rhopalostylis baueri palm tree in a native reserve.
Rhopalostylis baueri (Nikau Palm Tree)

Rhopalostylis baueri is a graceful palm valued for its smooth trunk elegant crownshaft and arching deep green fronds. Native to Norfolk Island, it is...

OUT OF STOCK
Jubaea chilensis palm tree with large fronds growing in a park.
Jubaea chilensis (Coquito Palm)

Jubaea chilensis, commonly known as the Chilean Wine Palm, is a majestic and long lived palm native to South America. Famous for its thick grey trunk...

OUT OF STOCK
Large Phoenix sylvestris palm trees.
Phoenix sylvestris (Silver Date Palm)

Phoenix sylvestris, commonly known as Silver Date Palm, Indian Date, or Sugar Date Palm, is a large Palm tree that may reach 12 m tall and 6 m wide...

OUT OF STOCK
palm-growing-media-
Indoor Palm Growing Media

The Plant Company growing media for Palms is as used by the best commercial nurseries. This blend has been developed over many years to provide...

OUT OF STOCK
Chamaerops humilis 'Cerifera' palm tree.
Chamaerops humilis Cerifera (Atlas Mountain Palm)

Chamaerops humilis Cerifera, commonly known as Atlas Mountain Palm or Dwarf Fan Palm, grows with several erect stems and becomes a rounded mass of...

OUT OF STOCK
phoenix-reclinata-2
Phoenix reclinata (Senegal Date Palm)

Phoenix reclinata, commonly known as the Senegal Date Palm or Arabian Date Palm, is Palm tree that may reach 12 m tall and 6 m wide but often grows...

OUT OF STOCK
chamaerops-humilis-
Chamaerops humilis (Dwarf Fan Palm)

Chamaerops humilis (European Fan Palm) is a hardy evergreen palm admired for its attractive fan shaped foliage, clumping growth habit, and...

OUT OF STOCK
Chamaedorea woodsoniana palm tree.
Chamaedorea woodsoniana (Woodsoniana Palm)

Chamaedorea woodsoniana, commonly known as Palmilla, is a rare and elegant palm valued for its tall, slender form and graceful foliage. Native to...

OUT OF STOCK
phoenix-roebelenii--3
Phoenix roebelenii (Dwarf Date Palm)

Phoenix roebelenii, commonly known as the Dwarf Date Palm, Miniature Date Palm, or Pygmy Date Palm, is a delightful and popular Palm tree. It...

OUT OF STOCK
rhopalostylis-little-barrier-
Rhopalostylis Little Barrier

Rhopalostylis Little Barrier is an attractive NZ native Palm tree. From a central trunk it produces broad fronds that are upright with a gentle arch...

OUT OF STOCK
Chamaedorea cataractarum (Cat Palm) in a tropical garden and featuring lush, green foliage.
Chamaedorea cataractarum

Chamaedorea cataractarum, commonly known as the Cat Palm, Cascade Palm, or Cataract Palm, produces upright stems that carry very aesthetic, dark...

OUT OF STOCK
washingtonia-robusta-3
Washingtonia robusta (Mexican Fan Palm)

Washingtonia robusta (Mexican Fan Palm) is a striking palm tree admired for its tall slender trunk and large fan shaped leaves that create an...

OUT OF STOCK
Phoenix dactylifera tree with red berries.
Phoenix dactylifera (Date Palm)

Phoenix dactylifera, commonly known as the Date Palm, this Palm tree that may reach 30 m tall and 8 m wide but often grows as a bushy clump to sizes...

OUT OF STOCK
Oraniopsis appendiculata palm tree.
Oraniopsis appendiculata

Oraniopsis appendiculata is a rare and impressive palm from Australia, admired for its stately form and resilience. With its large, feathery fronds...

OUT OF STOCK
A stunning Archontophoenix alexandrae speciment tree.
Archontophoenix alexandrae (Alexander Palm)

Archontophoenix alexandrae, commonly known as the Alexandra Palm, King Palm, or Feather Palm, is a tall and showy Palm Tree from Australia. It...

OUT OF STOCK
Archontophoenix purpurea palm trees in a tropical-themed garden.
Archontophoenix purpurea (Mt Lewis Palm)

Archontophoenix purpurea, commonly known as the Purple King Palm, is a tall and slender Palm from Australia. It features elegant and lush, mid-green...

OUT OF STOCK
Rhopalostylis sapida

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Beaucarnea, Cordyline, and Cycas, or related Categories - Palm Tree Fertiliser, Indoor Plants, and Palms.

Search nikau palm

Why Choose Nikau Palm for Christchurch Gardens?

The nikau palm offers unmatched New Zealand character and is increasingly popular as a focal point for Christchurch gardens. While Christchurch’s temperate climate is cooler than traditional nikau habitats in the North Island, these slow-growing palms can thrive here when planted in sheltered corners and given protection from harsh frosts. Their sculpture-like presence brings a tropical vibe without needing to look overseas for inspiration.

Gardeners appreciate nikau palms for their versatility: they can be grown as standalone specimens, incorporated into native plantings, or even used as shade trees by the patio. With careful siting, good organic soil, and mulch to protect roots, the nikau palm christchurch journey is a rewarding one. It’s an iconic choice for anyone wanting to enrich their garden with a genuine New Zealand flavour.

Choosing the Right Nikau Palm Variety

There isn’t just one kind of nikau palm. For Christchurch gardens, many prefer the classic form, but there are several outstanding varieties with distinct characteristics:

These varieties are all available for Christchurch gardeners to explore—each offers its own take on the classic nikau palm christchurch style.

Tips for Growing Nikau Palm in Christchurch

To ensure your nikau palm thrives in Christchurch, follow these expert tips:

Where to Buy Nikau Palm in Christchurch

Ready to add a nikau palm to your Christchurch home or commercial landscape? Browse our collection of nikau and Rhopalostylis palms, including Rhopalostylis chathamica Pitti (Rhopalostylis), Rhopalostylis Pitt Island (Pitt Island Nikau Palm), and Rhopalostylis cheesmanii. Our team are experts in supplying healthy, robust nikau palms suited to Christchurch’s unique climate. Get in touch to discover the best palm for your garden and bring a touch of New Zealand’s subtropical magic to your Canterbury home.


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

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.8

445 Google reviews