New Zealand plants are unique! New Zealand has some of the oldest ancient forests in the world, the most significant type of moss and some of the giant tree ferns found anywhere. Many species are very similar to those growing on Earth in the time of the dinosaurs – and even earlier.
New Zealand's high rainfall and many hours of sunshine contribute to our lush and diverse flora—80 per cent of the trees, ferns, and flowering plants are native. From the Kauri forests of the far North to the mountain beech forests and alpine tussocks of the Southern Alps, you will find fascinating plants and trees in every region.
You'll be awed by the majestic native evergreen forests that include Rimu, Totara, wide varieties of beech, and the largest native tree of them all, the giant Kauri. Underneath the trees, you'll find dense and luxurious undergrowth, including countless native shrubs, a variety of ferns, and many mosses and lichens.
At 606 km2, Lake Taupo is the largest lake in Australasia and is roughly the size of Singapore. Lake Taupo is one of the last wild trout fisheries in the world, famous for its abundance of trophy-sized rainbow trout.
New Zealand's most famous tree is a Kauri called Tane Mahuta, the 'God of the forests. Tane Mahuta stands over 51 metres high, has a circumference of over 13 metres and is over 2000 years old. Kauri trees played an essential part in the pioneering days, and these magnificent trees can still be seen along the Kauri Coast in the far North.
Waikoropupu Springs, located near Nelson (at the north end of the South Island), is the most apparent freshwater spring in the world, with an outflow of approximately 2,160 million litres every 24 hours.
Frying Pan Lake near Rotorua is the world's largest hot water spring, reaching 200°C.
Curio Bay in Southland is one of the most extensive and least disturbed examples of a petrified forest.
The Tongariro National Park in the centre of the North Island was the first national park established in New Zealand, the fourth in the world, and the first to be gifted by indigenous people.
The physical environment and landscape, such as our lakes and forests, are essential to New Zealand and the tourism industry. However, to use these resources sustainably, we must ensure their protection into the future!
