Native species to plant - and bring the birds to you

New Zealand’s native birds eat a combination of nectar, fruit, foliage and insects. They don't eat seed like the introduced bird species do! The best thing to do to support native birds's food sources is to plant a range of flowering and fruiting native plants as long-term food sources.

What should you plant to attract native birds?

Naturally, there is a harmonious partnership between New Zealand’s native plants and its birds. Native plants provide shelter as well as foliage, nectar and berries for the birds, who in turn spread seeds in their droppings.

A great thing about growing native plants is that they are the 'easy option' - native species are genetically designed to do well in New Zealand conditions. Choose species that you know thrive in your region and they will adapt perfectly with a little care to start them off. Then watch your garden flourish as our feathered friends drop by for a meal of nectar and berries or the insects, mites and lizards that make their home amongst the small, bushy shrubs.

Kōwhai

An iconic Kiwi native that the birds adore. Plant a kowhai in the backyard and watch the kererū, tūi and bellbirds flock in search of the delicious nectar found on the bright yellow flowers.

Ti Kouka (cabbage tree)

The distinctive cabbage tree provides a feast for birds who love its cream-coloured flowers, berries and nectar. Just make sure you leave plenty of room, these trees can reach heights of up to 20 metres.

Makomako (wineberry)

Wineberry is a quick-growing shrub which develops pink flowers in spring and deep red fruit in summer. Loved by a whole range of native New Zealand birds, this is a shrub that is sure to have your garden alive with the sounds of birdsong in no time.

Harakeke (New Zealand flax)

If you love Tūi, then you will love flax. Attracted by the bright red colour, boisterous Tūi are often found feasting on the luscious flax flowers in spring and summer. A hardy plant, offering many varieties found throughout New Zealand.

Kōtukutuku (tree fuchsia)

Abundant with rich, red fruit, fuchsia can reach heights of up to 12 metres in the wild. It’s unlikely to reach this size in your garden, but its fruit and berries are sure to bring in honey-eating birds, like Tūī, bellbirds and silvereyes.

Hebe

Low-growing and an enduring favourite, birds can’t get enough of this attractive shrub. As well as providing delicious flowers, hebes are often a haven of insects bringing in the bellbirds, fantails and silvereyes. Consider also keeping a bit of leaf and twig matter around the garden, as this attracts more insects for the birds to feed on.

Coprosma

Coprosmas produce a literal smorgasbord for our native birds. With berries, flowers and insects to feast on, you are sure to find birds wherever you find coprosma species.

Extra food sources for wild birds

Whenever natural food sources are scarce, you can feed up a serve of sugar water, nectar or Energy Food cakes to keep birds going until spring. View the Wildbird collection here.