Spring in New Zealand brings an explosion of color as native and exotic flowers emerge after winter. Here's what you can expect to see blooming:

Kowhai

Native

Throughout NZ

These iconic yellow flowers announce the arrival of spring and are a favorite food source for tui and bellbirds. Found throughout New Zealand, especially in coastal and lowland forests.

Clematis paniculata (Puawhananga)

Native

North & South Islands

These large white star-shaped flowers cascade through forest canopies in spring. Also known as 'puawhananga' or 'white-flowered clematis'.

Cherry Blossoms

Introduced

Urban areas

Though not native, cherry blossoms bring spectacular displays to many New Zealand cities and towns in early spring, particularly in parks and botanical gardens.

Manuka

Native

Throughout NZ

These small white or pink flowers appear in late spring through summer. Manuka is not just beautiful but also the source of world-famous Manuka honey.

Summer brings New Zealand's most iconic flowering displays, with coastal and mountain species putting on spectacular shows:

Pohutukawa

Native

North Island coasts

Known as New Zealand's Christmas tree, these brilliant crimson blooms appear in December and January along coastal areas, particularly in the North Island.

Southern Rata

Native

South Island

The South Island's answer to the pohutukawa, southern rata produces brilliant red flowers in summer, particularly in mountainous regions and on the West Coast.

Flax (Harakeke)

Native

Throughout NZ

The tall flower spikes of flax plants are a common summer sight. The nectar-rich flowers attract tui, bellbirds and other native birds.

Hydrangeas

Introduced

Gardens nationwide

These popular garden plants thrive in New Zealand's summer climate, producing large flower heads in blues, pinks, and whites, especially in coastal areas.

As temperatures cool, a different palette of flowers emerges across New Zealand:

Asters

Introduced

Gardens nationwide

These daisy-like flowers in purples, pinks, and whites provide important late-season nectar for butterflies and bees in New Zealand gardens.

Coneflowers

Introduced

Gardens nationwide

With their distinctive raised centers and drooping petals, coneflowers continue blooming into autumn, adding rich purples and pinks to gardens.

Camellias

Introduced

Gardens nationwide

Late-blooming camellia varieties produce elegant flowers in autumn, with colors ranging from pure white to deep red, and many shades in between.

Chrysanthemums

Introduced

Gardens nationwide

The quintessential autumn flower, chrysanthemums bring a riot of colors to New Zealand gardens as other blooms fade.

Even in winter, New Zealand's mild climate allows for some spectacular flowering displays:

Daphne

Introduced

Gardens nationwide

Highly fragrant pink and white flowers appear on daphne shrubs in late winter, filling gardens with their sweet scent.

Wintersweet

Introduced

South Island gardens

These fragrant yellow flowers appear on bare branches during winter, bringing both color and scent to the coldest months.

Hellebores

Introduced

Gardens nationwide

Also known as winter roses, hellebores produce elegant nodding flowers in winter and early spring, often pushing through snow in colder regions.

Winter Magnolias

Introduced

Gardens nationwide

Several magnolia varieties bloom in late winter, with spectacular star or cup-shaped flowers appearing on bare branches.