New Zealand has two main types of forest across the country: beech and podocarp/broadleaf. Learn more about these two types of forest here.
Anyone that explores New Zealand will come across a variety of landscapes. There are beautiful beaches, sand dunes, mountains, volcanoes, rivers, and forest. Each of these different habitats is stunning in its own way. There are many different types of forests across the country, but two main types can be found from the north island to the south island.
New Zealand Before The Arrival Of People
The islands of New Zealand were isolated and without people on them for millions of years. During that time about 80% of the country was covered in forest.
Since the arrival of people the percent of land covered in forest has slowly decreased. Currently, just under a quarter of the country remains covered in native forest.
New Zealand’s Types Of Forest – The 2 Main Ones
Throughout the country there are many types of forests, but the vast majority of them are one of two kinds: podocarp/broadleaf or beech.
Native forests can be found throughout the country, but the greatest abundance of them can be seen in the mountains of the west coast of the south island and in Fiordland.
The two common forest types have a very different composition and feel very different when you are in them.
New Zealand’s Types Of Forest – Podocarp/Broadleaf
A podocarp/broadleaf forest grows throughout the country and is similar to a tropical forest. It dominates in the northern and warmer parts of the country. As you go up the mountains or further south Beech forest takes over.
This type of forest feels super lush and you can see plants and life growing everywhere. It looks and feels thick with vegetation. There are many woody vines and epiphytes covering the trees. Many of the tall trees also have buttressed roots, such as the pukatea.
One other unique aspect of this forest is that many of the trees have flowers that bloom straight out of their trunk. Read all about podocarps here.
New Zealand’s Types Of Forest – Beech Forest
Nearly 2 million HA of the forests in New Zealand have almost only Beech trees. Beech forest tends to grow mainly on the drier, eastern side of the mountains, higher up, and in the cooler south.
This forest has little undergrowth because the thick evergreen canopy prevents much light from penetrating to the forest floor.
Beech forest can be found from the Northland all the way south to Fjordland.