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nz native trees that attract birds

If you’re dreaming of a lively, bird-filled garden, planting NZ native trees that attract birds is one of the best ways to welcome tūī, bellbirds, fantails, and more into your backyard. The unique relationship between New Zealand’s flora and birdlife means that many native trees provide vital nectar, fruit, and shelter for local bird species throughout the year. By choosing the right mix of NZ native trees that attract birds, you can turn any patch of land into a thriving habitat and help support our precious wildlife for generations to come.

Knightia excelsa

Knightia excelsa, commonly known as Rewarewa, is an impressive NZ native tree featuring showy flowers and lush foliage. Unusual yet attractive, dark red flowers bloom across the tree in summer and are great for attracting birds. The flowers are complemented by long, narrow leaves that are mid-green and held densely on upright branches.

Buy Knightia excelsa

From $270.40

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Trees

Height: 30.00 m

Spread: 8.00 m

Flowering time: Summer

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Shade, Wind

Garden uses: Parks, Ponds, Screening, Specimen

Garden styles: Coastal, Native

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.

Buy Sophora chathamica

From $323.65

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

Benefits of Planting NZ Native Trees That Attract Birds

Planting NZ native trees that attract birds brings more than just melodic songs to your garden. These trees also support biodiversity, control garden pests, enhance pollination, and add year-round beauty to your outdoor spaces. Whether you have a small urban yard or a large rural block, native trees will be perfectly adapted to our unique climate and soils, ensuring robust growth and longevity.

Top NZ Native Trees That Attract Birds

There’s a wide range of NZ native trees that attract birds, each with their own seasonal offerings of food, shelter, or nesting sites. Here are some favourite varieties for creating an irresistible bird-friendly garden:

Knightia excelsa (Rewarewa)

With its stunning spikes of deep red flowers, Knightia excelsa is a magnet for tūī and bellbirds. The blossoms provide rich nectar in late spring and early summer, and the slender, upright shape also adds vertical interest to your garden.

Sophora chathamica (Chatham Island Kōwhai)

Renowned for its brilliant yellow flowers, Sophora chathamica lights up the garden and provides vital early spring nectar for native birds just when they need it most. Kōwhai is often the first tree tūī and bellbirds visit during flowering.

Hedycarya arborea (Pigeonwood)

If you want to attract kererū (NZ native wood pigeon), consider Hedycarya arborea. This hardy native’s fleshy fruits are a favourite with fruit-eating birds, helping support them during autumn and winter when food sources are scarce.

Cordyline australis (Cabbage Tree, Tī Kōuka)

Cordyline australis offers clusters of highly scented, nectar-filled flowers in late spring, which attract a variety of birds and bees. Its tough, architectural leaves also offer perching and shelter sites for small birds.

Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire)

The large purple-blue berries of Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire) are irresistible to kererū, which play a vital role in dispersing the seeds. Planting this elegant tree will help support kererū populations in your local area.

Tips for Creating a Bird-Friendly NZ Native Garden

To create a sanctuary for native birds, plant a diverse mix of NZ native trees that attract birds with varying flowering and fruiting times. Incorporate layered plantings—from canopy trees to shrubs and groundcovers—so birds have plenty of places to feed, perch, and nest. Avoid chemical sprays and consider adding a water source to make your garden even more appealing.

Start Growing Your Bird Paradise

By choosing NZ native trees that attract birds, you support both local wildlife and a healthier environment. Explore our full range of NZ natives, including Knightia excelsa, Sophora chathamica, Hedycarya arborea, Cordyline australis, and Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire), and create a thriving bird haven in your own 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.

nz native trees that attract birds

Knightia excelsa

Sophora chathamica

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Benefits of Planting NZ Native Trees That Attract Birds