New Zealand Native Trees - Trees for Travellers

Kaikoura was once clad in native bush from the mountains to the sea. First the Maori, then Europeans burned and cleared the bush. This action has left the landscape open to erosion. Research tells us we need trees to act as carbon sinks to offset emissions caused by our current mode of living. Transport, accommodation etc.

Before human habitation, the native trees in this area were: Kowhai, Totara, Rimu, Beech, Cabbage Tree, Ngaio, AkeAke to name but a few. It is our intention to take several reserve areas in the Kaikoura District and reforest them as close as possible to the original state. To do this we will have to provide a forest canopy for some of the longer-living species to survive their juvenile phase. Also the natural habitat of some of the areas we will be reforesting.e.g. coastal, inland or sheltered inland areas, will dictate the specific species planted (e.g. some trees will not grow well on the coast). It is for this reason that when we structure a forest, we prefer to select tree type, so as to guarantee a better survival rate.

Five-Finger
One of our most common native trees, the Five Finger is a multi branched round-headed tree with thick spreading branches. It produces sweet scented flowers and is commonly found from sea level up to 760 metres above sea level in forests and open scrub.

Ngaio

The Ngaio is a coastal tree reaching a height of 10m. It has olive green leaves with small see-through oil glands. It has white flowers in late spring, followed by small purple fruit in autumn which is eaten by native birds. Maori use crushed Ngaio leaves rubbed on their skin as an insect deterrent. An infusion of the leaves used as a hair rinse is said to impart a glossy sheen to dark hair. Chewing the leaves also stopped toothache.

Kowhai
The Kowhai is renowned for its magnificent drooping bright yellow flowers and distinctive seed pods. The nectar in the base of the flowers is a favorite food for native birds, and the tree was used by Maori for its medicinal properties. It is found throughout New Zealand in forest margins, beside rivers, both on the coast and in inland open areas.

Lemon wood
As an adult the Lemon wood is a large bushy tree, found all over New Zealand in forest clearings, margins and along stream banks. When its leaves are crushed they have a strong lemon smell, hence the name. The Maori mixed the lemon scented flowers with fat to anoint their bodies.

Rimu
One of New Zealand's most forest beautiful trees. Its trunk is straight with dark flaking bark. Its branches hang down giving a weeping appearance. Birds are attracted to its small fruits. Life span is 800-900 years. The heart timber is beautifully grained and was used for house building and furniture. There is a native stand of Rimu in Kaikoura - on the Fife Palmer bush walk.

Totara
One of the majestic forest canopy trees a mature Totara tree reaches up to 30 metres, although this takes over 100 years. Totara is also recognised by the distinctive bark which flakes off in thick brown slabs. Totara trees have male and female cones on separate trees. In autumn the female trees produce tiny green seeds which grow on top of the distinctive juicy red base, particularly attractive to birds.

Black Beech Often the dominant species in extensive lowland and mountain native forests, Black Beech is a tall forest tree with a trunk up to 1m thick. It has small oval leaves. The trunks and lower branches of older trees are often covered with a thick, black fungus that drips sweet liquid loved by native birds & wasps alike.
Red Beech Tall massive tree, with straight trunk growing up to 2m in diameter. Its leaves are light green, 2-4cm long and sharply toothed. Small red flowers appear in spring, followed by nuts about 7mm long which drop from March to May. The Red Beech is a lowland forest tree, widely dominant in the South Island of New Zealand.

Make a difference to our world now and leave a lasting natural memento of your visit for future generations. Your family, friends and descendants can see your tree growing.