Kauri are among the world's mightiest trees, growing to over 50 m tall, with trunk girths up to 16 m, and living for over 2,000 years. They covered much of the top half of the North Island when the first people arrived around 1000 years ago. Between 1871 and 1882 some 47,407 tons of recent and fossilized gum was removed from the soil and it was estimated that it would take the forest growth of 10,000 years to replace it. The great Kauri forests of old were decimated almost to the point of extinction. They are now protected but affected by a fast-spreading killing fungal disease.

This is a conifer endemic to New Zealand, occurring on the North Island in lowland and hill forest. It is classed as at risk as it needs disturbed areas to regenerate. 
It grows from sea level up to 600 m.a.s.l in temperate rainforests. This evergreen coniferous tree grows to 25 m tall, with a trunk up to 1.2m in diameter. 
The bark tears off in long thin strips which often spiral gradually around the trunk, giving the tree a twisted appearance. In the past, it was selectively milled to near extinction for its red wood which was used for house shingles and in cabinet making.

Tōtara grow up to 30 metres tall, with massive trunks. They were used by the Māori for canoes and carving. It has thick stringy bark and its leaves are a very dark green-brownish colour and are 13-25 mm long, linear and sharp pointed.

The kahikatea or white pine is New Zealand’s tallest native tree reaching up to 60 metres high. Black seeds, produced in autumn at the end of a succulent red stem, are popular with wood pigeon (kūkupa or kererū), kākā and tūī. Kahikatea is one of the most reduced forest types in New Zealand, once dominating in lowland swamp areas.

Growing up to 25 metres high, the miro bears pinkish purple fruit especially in autumn to early winter, which is a favourite food of kākā and wood pigeons.

The Puriri tree can grow up to 20 m tall, with a trunk commonly up to 1.5 m in diameter, frequently thicker, and a broad spreading crown. The thin bark is usually smooth and light brown in color, but can also be very flaky. Puriri is one of the few native trees with large colorful flowers. Puriri was actively and selectively logged in the past to provide timber for a wide range of end uses.

Able to reach up to 50 metres in height, the rimu is well known for its strong, durable timber often used in furniture, although very little is milled these days.

Pōhutukawa is New Zealand's Christmas tree, and holds a prominent place in Maori mythology. The tree grows up to 20m in height, with a dome-like spreading form. Its natural range is the coastal regions of the North Island of New Zealand. The Pohutukawa flowers from November to January with a peak in mid to late December with brilliant crimson flowers covering the tree, hence the nickname New Zealand Christmas Tree.

Rātā trees have glossy dark green leaves and trunks that are often gnarled and twisted. However they are best known for their brilliant red flowers that appear in profusion from November to January, depending on location, and can be seen from some distance away. Northern rātā is one of New Zealand's tallest flowering trees. It usually begins life as an epiphyte (or plant perched on a host tree) high in the forest canopy. Its roots grow down to the ground, finally enclosing the host tree and producing a huge tree up to 25 m high with a trunk of 2.5 m through.

The kōwhai is one of the best known native trees in New Zealand and it’s our unofficial national flower.

They are best known for their brilliant yellow flowers that appear in profusion in Spring and stand out among the forest greenery

They grow from a seed in the ground to become a tree up to 25 m high. 

Knightia excelsa, commonly called rewarewa or New Zealand honeysuckle, which refers to the timber’s decorative properties. In spring, rewarewa flowers produce abundant nectar which is irresistible to tui and bellbirds and also produces an excellent honey. It is largely a pioneer species . It can grow up to 30 m tall with a 1 m diameter trunk.