Coastal gardens face some of the most extreme conditions — salt-laden winds, intense sun, shifting sands, and poor soils. With the right design and plants, you can transform an exposed seaside site into a protected, thriving sanctuary. A well-designed coastal shelter not only protects your plants but also builds microclimates, reduces wind damage, stabilizes soil, and enhances biodiversity.
This guide covers what coastal shelter is, how to plan it, the best NZ native plants for shelterbelts, practical planting and care advice, and wildlife benefits.
Coastal winds carry salt spray that can scorch leaves, increase soil evaporation, and stunt or uproot plants. Constructing a shelter with NZ native plants creates natural protection that:
Reduces wind speed and stress on plants
Minimizes soil erosion on dunes and slopes
Helps retain moisture in the landscape
Creates sheltered zones for more delicate plants
Enhances the aesthetic and ecological value of your garden
NZ native species are ideal because many evolved in these environments. They are wind-tolerant, salt-resistant, and low-maintenance once established.
Before planting, observe your site:
Prevailing wind direction: Plant shelter on the windward side.
Soil type: Coastal soils are often sandy or shallow, but native plants thrive in them.
Sun exposure: Most shelter species prefer full sun, which is typical in coastal gardens.
Establishment period: Young plants may need protection during their first few seasons.
Mapping these elements helps you position your shelterbelt for maximum protection.
A coastal shelterbelt works best with a mix of plant types, from tall structural trees to mid-layer shrubs and low groundcovers. Layering creates natural filtering rather than a solid wall, reducing wind speed while preventing turbulence.
Coprosma robusta (Karamū): A fast-growing evergreen shrub or small tree with dense foliage that effectively filters wind.
Plagianthus regius (Ribbonwood): Upright growth provides early vertical structure.
Pittosporum tenuifolium (Kōhūhū): Fine, dense foliage softens wind without trapping it.
These taller plants form the first line of defence, reducing wind speed for the rest of the shelterbelt.
Olearia solandri (Coastal Tree Daisy): Dense growth, salt-tolerant, and attractive flowers
Olearia paniculata (Golden Ake Ake): Helps slow and diffuse wind through the shelterbelt.
Griselinia littoralis: Glossy evergreen leaves resist salt and dry winds, providing effective screening.
Mid-layer shrubs add bulk and density, fortifying the shelterbelt structure.
Coprosma acerosa: Low, sprawling groundcover that stabilizes soil at the base.
Muehlenbeckia astonii: Mat-forming creeper that protects soil from wind erosion.
Phormium tenax (Flax): Adds texture, movement, and erosion control at shelter edges.
Groundcovers seal the shelter from below, inhibiting soil loss and wind tunnelling.
Layering is both functional and aesthetic:
Tall trees and large shrubs upwind absorb the initial gusts.
Mid-height shrubs break and filter the wind.
Groundcovers and low shrubs at the base stabilize soil and trap moisture.
Proper layering lets wind pass gradually, reducing turbulence and protecting more delicate plants.
Stagger plants rather than planting in a straight line to prevent wind channels.
Multi-row belts, spaced 80–120 cm apart, form a more effective barrier.
Autumn or early spring planting gives roots time to establish before summer winds intensify.
Shelterbelt plants often need supplemental watering while young.
Watering & Mulching: Water young plants deeply to encourage strong root systems. Mulch with gravel, coarse bark, or shells to retain soil moisture and limit salt splash.
Pruning & Shape: Trim mid-layer shrubs lightly after flowering to maintain density. Avoid solid walls that trap or redirect wind harshly.
A native shelterbelt becomes a habitat as well as a protective structure. Birds, insects, and lizards use the variety of heights and cover to nest and feed. Berries from Coprosma species and nectar from Olearia flowers support native birds, while groundcovers provide shelter for skinks and insects.
Native shelter collections and combos ideal for mixed belts
100x Shelter Combo — durable mix of hardy shelter plants
25x Shelter Combo — starter pack for gardens or smaller properties
View our Coastal Plant Collection Here
These options make it easier to establish multi-layered shelter belts that are resilient, attractive, and ecologically sound.
Use nurse plants or temporary fencing while your shelterbelt establishes.
Monitor and water deeply during the establishment period, especially in hot or dry spells.
Mix species for resilience — biodiversity equals stability and long-term success.
Creating a coastal shelter with NZ native plants restores both function and beauty to exposed sites. With strategic planning, smart plant selection, and thoughtful planting, your garden can be protected, productive, and alive with wildlife — even on the windiest seaside blocks.
