Planting guides

Planting local native trees preserves our natural heritage and promotes our community identity. Waikato Regional Council has produced planting guides for the Central volcanic plateau ecological region, Coromandel ecological region, Maungatautari ecological district, and the Waikato region.

These guides will help you select and plant local native plants that are well suited to your area.

• What to plant in Central volcanic plateau ecological region
• What to plant in Coromandel ecological region
• What to plant in Maungatautari ecological district
• Planting natives in the Waikato region

What to plant in Central volcanic plateau ecological region

The Central volcanic plateau is a dramatic part of the Waikato region with mountain ranges, the head of the Waikato river and the country's largest lake, and attracts thousands of visitors every year. However, only 20 per cent of the land is covered in native vegetation which leaves room for improvement to both the landscape and the ecosystem.

There are a number of reasons why the districts need restoration. Especially the lower terrain has no remaining natural areas for native plant species. Animal and plant pests are abundant and the water quality of Lake Taupo and Waikato River needs protecting. The region is switching from forestry to dairy pasture which will further reduce habitat opportunities for native animals and plants and affect water quality.  

Planting native plants can have many benefits, including aesthetical, ecological and economical. These include aiding farming operations, providing food and shelter for native birds, reducing erosion and much more.

Many agencies, community groups, farmer, forestry companies and inviduals are working hard to protect the natural values of the central volcanic platean ecological region. They are removing weeds, controlling pests and planting natives to recreate or enhance natural ecosystems. This guide will help you select and plant local native plants for your gardens, re-vegetation areas or as specimen or shelter trees for your property.

The focus of this planting guide is on native forest species. For ideas on what to plant in wetlands, check out our wetland planting guide.

This guide is for the Central volcanic plateau, comprising two adjoining ecological districts. The Taupo ecological district stretches from Taupo to Turangi, occupying the basin beween the Hauhungaroa range and the foothills of the Kaimanawa ranges. Atiamuri ecological distric is centred on the southern Waikato hydro lakes, bordered by the towns of Whakamaru, Horohoro, Reporoa and Taupo.

Lake Rotorua and the mountains of the Tongariro National park, Pureroa and the Kaimanawa forest parks are outside these ecological districts.

Contents

Please note: Due to the large file size of this document, it has been split into multiple documents for ease of download.

What to plant in Coromandel ecological region

The Coromandel Peninsula is a special place that draws thousands of summer visitors to enjoy its sandy beaches, dramatic landscape, extensive forests and diversity of wildlife. The Coromandel is one of the most extensively vegetated parts of the Waikato region. About 60 per cent of the peninsula is clothed in native vegetation, much of it recovering from over a century of logging, mining and farming activities.

Many agencies, community groups and individuals are working hard to protect the natural values of the Coromandel Peninsula. They are removing weeds, controlling pests, re-introducing lost wildlife and planting natives to re-create or enhance natural ecosystems. This guide will help you select and plant local native plants for your gardens and re-vegetation areas, or as specimen or shelter trees for your property.

The focus of this planting guide is on forest species. For ideas on what to plant in wetlands, check out our wetland planting guide.

This guide is for the Coromandel Peninsula, including the northern side of Waihi Beach, crossing west including the Karangahake Gorge almost to Paeroa, following the eastern bank of the Waihou River north to Thames. It includes coastal, lowland and hill country environments.

The Kauaeranga River estuary and wetland is outside these ecological districts.

Contents

Please note: Due to the large file size of this document, it has been split into multiple documents for ease of download.

What to plant in Maungatautari ecological district

The Maungatautari ecological island will fill the surrounding district with native birds, many of which have been absent from the area for decades. With the right plants, you can encourage these birds to visit your property.

This guide will help you select and plant local native plants for your gardens, re-vegetation areas, or as specimen or shelter trees for your farm.

This guide is for the hilly land of Tahuna, Scotsman’s Valley, Richmond Downs, Te Miro, Whitehall, Horahora and Maungatautari, and the lowlands of Piarere, Karapiro, Tauwhare and Kiwitahi.

The lowlands of Cambridge, Morrinsville, Matamata, Tirau and Te Awamutu are outside the Maungatautari Ecological District, however the plants will be similar. If you wish to plant in those towns, use the plants in the lowland terraces planting zone list.

The focus of this planting guide is on forest species. For ideas on what to plant in wetlands, check out our wetland planting guide.

If you live in Hamilton do not use this guide - use the "Gully restoration guide: A guide to assist in the ecological restoration of Hamilton's gully systems" in stead. (contact Hamilton City Council for a copy).

Contents

Please note: Due to the large file size of this document, it has been split into multiple documents for ease of download.

Planting natives in the Waikato region

The Waikato region has through time lost many of its native trees and shrubs, which in turn has affected wildlife in the region. By planting local trees and shrubs you can, among many things, increase the value of your land, provide winter food for tui, kereru and bellbirds, and preserve and rebuild the natural character of your local landscape.

This general planting guide will help you choose and find what to plant and how to plan and implement your planting. Topics covered include the importance of ecosourcing, site preparation, selecting quality plants, planting techniques and maintenance after planting. It also provides you with information on useful internet sites and further reading.

The guide encourages all Waikato residents to plant trees and shrubs local to their specific area of the region. This will help keep local differences that make each place unique and ensures that your plants will be adapted to the weather in your area.

The focus of this planting guide is on forest species. For ideas on what to plant in wetlands, check out our wetland planting guide.

Download Planting natives in the Waikato region (1188 kb, 169 seconds to download, 56k modem)

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