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nikau palm tree

The nikau palm tree is a true icon of New Zealand gardens, prized for its lush, tropical appearance and unique status as the only native palm species in Aotearoa. Whether you’re keen to create a subtropical paradise at home or simply wish to celebrate our native flora, the nikau palm tree is an exceptional choice. Its elegant, feather-like fronds, striking green crown shaft, and ability to thrive in coastal and sheltered spots make it a favourite among gardeners and landscapers alike.

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.

From $30.29

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Palms
Height: 12.50 m
Spread: 1.50 m
Flowering time: Spring
Garden uses: Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, 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.

From $425.89

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Palms
Height: 8.00 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods
Garden uses: Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Mediterranean, Modern, Tropical
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$248.92
palm-tree-fertiliser-1
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$16.95
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PB28 Planter Bags (Christmas Tree Bag)

PB28 Planter Bags are a durable and economical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and other mature nursery stock. Their...

From$130.50
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
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PB60 Planter Bags (Bag For Xmas Tree)

PB60 Planter Bags are a strong and practical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and advanced nursery stock. Their...

From$169.50
phoenix-roebelenii--3
Phoenix roebelenii

Phoenix roebelenii (Dwarf Date Palm) is an elegant palm valued for its fine, arching fronds and compact tropical appearance. The graceful green...

From$152.64
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$30.29
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Tree Fertiliser

Using tree fertiliser results in plants having better quality foliage, more profuse flowering, stronger stems, and a much healthier and brighter...

From$16.95
Large Dracaena draco (Canary Islands Dragon Tree) specimen trees.
Dracaena draco

Dracaena draco, commonly known as the Canary Islands Dragon Tree, is a striking, slow-growing evergreen ideal for New Zealand landscapes. It forms a...

From$638.89
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
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$515.35
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$50.99
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Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree)

Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree) is a spectacular deciduous tree prized for its striking flushes of vibrant pink foliage that mature through...

From$270.40
Cordyline australis albertii plants with variegated foliage.
Cordyline albertii

Cordyline albertii (Variegated Cabbage Tree) is a striking evergreen tree admired for its bold green leaves edged with creamy white variegation. This...

From$340.69
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
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Tree Guards

Tree Guards provide a simple and effective way to protect young trees from animals, wind, accidental damage, and herbicide spray. They create a...

From$5.00
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Cloth Tree Tie

Cloth Tree Ties are a soft, flexible solution for securely supporting young trees and plants while they establish. Made from durable cloth material...

From$9.28
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
ulmus-lobel-
Ulmus 'Lobel' (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus 'Lobel' is a refined deciduous elm valued for its narrow upright form, dense green foliage, and excellent suitability as an avenue or specimen...

From$557.95
jute-tree-tie-1
Jute Tree Tie

Jute Tree Tie is a natural and flexible option for securing young trees to stakes while they establish. The soft material helps reduce rubbing and...

From$64.67
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$515.35
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Fruit Tree Fertiliser

Fruit Tree Fertiliser is specially formulated to support healthy growth, strong root development, and productive fruiting in a wide range of fruit...

From$16.95
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
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
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 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-pitt-island-1
Rhopalostylis 'Pitt Island' (Pitt Island Nikau Palm)

Rhopalostylis 'Pitt Island' is an elegant evergreen palm valued for its lush tropical foliage, smooth trunk, and graceful upright form. The large...

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

Chamaerops humilis 'Cerifera' is a striking evergreen palm valued for its beautiful silver blue fan shaped foliage and naturally clumping growth...

OUT OF STOCK
Rhopalostylis sapida

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Cordyline, Cycas, and Metrosideros, or related Categories - General Garden Fertiliser, Palm Tree Fertiliser, and Planter Bags.

Search nikau palm tree

What Makes the Nikau Palm Tree Special?

Found from the North Cape to the north-western South Island, the nikau palm (Rhopalostylis sapida) is renowned for its graceful form and resilience. As it matures, the nikau palm tree develops a smooth, ringed trunk clad with beautiful, arching leaves—drawing the eye and creating a serene tropical vibe. Its flowers attract native birds, while the striking red fruit adds colour and interest throughout the year. The nikau palm prefers part-shade or filtered sunlight and is remarkably adaptable, tolerating coastal breezes, moderate frosts, and even periods of dry weather if established.

Types and Varieties of Nikau Palm Trees

There are several distinct types and island varieties of nikau palm tree available for New Zealand gardens. For those seeking the classic form, the Rhopalostylis sapida is ideal, with its crisp, traditional silhouette. For a rare and impressive addition, the Rhopalostylis sapida Great Barrier (Nikau Palm Tree) offers broader leaves and faster growth in coastal settings. If you’re fascinated by palm diversity, the Rhopalostylis baueri (Nikau Palm Tree) originating from the Kermadec and Norfolk Islands features more slender trunks and an exotic appearance.

For those in cooler regions or looking to add a rarer native to their collection, the Rhopalostylis sapida Chatham Islands (Nīkau) is well suited—with slightly hardier stock that copes better in wind and lower temperatures. Meanwhile, the Rhopalostylis Pitt Island (Pitt Island Nikau Palm) represents a truly unique palm, adapted to some of New Zealand’s harshest island conditions.

Growing and Caring for Nikau Palm Trees

Establishing a nikau palm tree is straightforward. Choose a sheltered spot, protect young plants from winds, and mulch around the base to keep roots cool and moist. Nikau palms prefer well-draining, compost-rich soil, and reward regular watering during the summer months. Fertilise lightly in spring for lush growth. Over time, your nikau palm tree will form an eye-catching centrepiece for courtyards, pool areas, or bush gardens.

Native Beauty for Every Kiwi Garden

Few NZ natives offer the elegant, tropical grace of the nikau palm tree. With its easy-care nature, diversity of forms, and ecological benefits, it’s perfect for garden projects large and small. Browse our collection—including Rhopalostylis sapida, Rhopalostylis baueri (Nikau Palm Tree), and unique island varieties—to find the ideal nikau palm tree for your landscape. Bring a touch of New Zealand’s forest majesty straight to your backyard.

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.
Gardeners love Heuchera 'Peppermint Spice' and Ficus 'Tuffi', but there’s a growing buzz around plants like Hoheria populnea 'Alba Variegata', Rosmarinus officinalis, and Acer palmatum 'Crimson Queen'.
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