Thriving native plants tailored to the West Coast’s unique wet and wild environment
The West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island is renowned for its temperate rainforests, rugged coastlines, and alpine landscapes. From the beaches of Westport and Greymouth, through the lush forests around Hokitika and the alpine areas near Franz Josef and Fox Glacier, the West Coast’s climate is wet, mild, and highly variable. Selecting native plants adapted to this environment supports sustainable gardening, natural habitat restoration, and low-maintenance landscapes.
Here’s a guide to native plants available on Greenmachine.nz that thrive in the West Coast’s distinct regions and conditions.
Understanding the West Coast Climate and Growing Conditions
The West Coast experiences some of New Zealand’s highest rainfall—often exceeding 2000 mm annually—with mild temperatures year-round. Summers are cool and wet, winters are mild but very damp, and soils are generally fertile but often acidic and poorly drained in low-lying areas. Wind exposure is common near the coast, while alpine zones face cold temperatures and snow.
Successful planting depends on choosing natives suited to wet soils, shade or sun exposure, and wind tolerance.
Native Plants to Grow on the West Coast
Coastal West Coast (Westport, Greymouth, Karamea)
Coastal sites require salt- and wind-tolerant plants with tough foliage and good sheltering qualities. Suitable plants include:
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Phormium tenax (Harakeke) – Robust flax with architectural leaves, excellent for coastal shelter and erosion control.
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Coprosma robusta (Karaka) – Hardy shrub/small tree offering dense foliage and bird-attracting berries.
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Pittosporum crassifolium (Karo) – Glossy-leaved shrub for coastal hedging and wind protection.
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Olearia solandri – Compact coastal shrub with dense evergreen foliage.
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Austroderia toetoe (Toetoe) – Tall ornamental grass thriving in coastal and wet soils.
Forest and Riparian Areas (Hokitika, Westland Forest, Lake Brunner)
The West Coast’s forested valleys and riverbanks suit moisture-loving natives that tolerate shade and periodic flooding:
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Hoheria populnea (Lacebark) – Small tree with fragrant white flowers, thrives in damp forest margins.
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Weinmannia racemosa (Kāmahi) – Medium-sized forest tree important for ecosystem health.
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Coprosma lucida (Shining coprosma) – Shrub or small tree with glossy leaves, great for riparian zones.
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Myrsine australis (Red Matipo) – Dense shrub ideal for shaded, moist areas.
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Leptospermum scoparium (Mānuka) – Versatile shrub attracting native pollinators, thriving in moist soils.
Alpine & Sub-Alpine Areas (Franz Josef, Fox Glacier, Arthur’s Pass)
Alpine conditions require hardy, frost-tolerant, and compact plants:
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Hebe stricta – Compact shrub with blue flowers, well-adapted to cold alpine environments.
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Celmisia semicordata (Mountain Daisy) – Striking silver-leaved groundcover with daisy-like flowers.
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Chionochloa rigida (Snow tussock) – Large native tussock grass vital for alpine soil stability.
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Dracophyllum traversii – Evergreen shrub/small tree native to alpine and sub-alpine areas.
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Pachycladon novae-zelandiae (Alpine bishop’s weed) – Compact perennial native to alpine zones.
Wetlands and Low-Lying Areas (Ōkārito, Lake Mapourika, Whataroa)
These zones suit plants tolerant of waterlogged soils and seasonal flooding:
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Libertia grandiflora – Evergreen perennial with sword-shaped leaves and white flowers.
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Juncus pallidus (Giant Rush) – Tall rush suited for streamsides and wet areas.
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Hoheria sexstylosa (Lacebark) – Small tree thriving in wet lowlands.
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Corokia cotoneaster ‘Red Wonder’ – Shrub with distinctive red stems, tolerant of moist soils.
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Leptospermum scoparium (Mānuka) – Also suitable for wet areas, important for biodiversity.
General Planting and Care Tips for West Coast Natives
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Best planting time: Early spring or autumn to avoid the wettest and coldest extremes.
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Soil preparation: Most natives do well in acidic, moist soils but improve drainage if waterlogging is severe.
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Mulching: Use bark or leaf mulch to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
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Watering: Native plants generally cope well with West Coast rain but may need watering in dry spells.
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Weed control: Keep invasive weeds like gorse and blackberry under control for best growth.
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Protection: Use guards to protect young plants from possums and rabbits common in the region.
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Pruning: Prune lightly after flowering to encourage bushy growth and maintain shape.
Final Thoughts: Grow West Coast-Ready Natives
From coastal windbreaks in Westport to lush forest understories near Hokitika and resilient alpine gardens by Franz Josef, native plants adapted to the West Coast climate form the backbone of sustainable gardening and ecological restoration.
Selecting individual native plants available on Greenmachine.nz tailored to your site will help you create a beautiful, low-maintenance garden that supports native birds and insects, controls erosion, and reflects the unique West Coast landscape.