Gum trees – what Australians call eucalyptus – are not native to New Zealand. But that doesn't mean you won't find them growing there. In fact, eucalyptus trees have been planted widely across the North and South Islands for timber, shelterbelts, and even as ornamental trees in parks and gardens.
What Exactly Are Gum Trees?
Gum trees are common name for trees in the genus
Eucalyptus. There are over 700 species, almost all from Australia. They are known for their fast growth, aromatic leaves, and peeling bark. Some species can grow over 60 metres tall. The name “gum tree” comes from the sticky sap (kino) that oozes from the bark. In New Zealand, when people say “gum tree,” they usually mean a eucalyptus.
Are There Any Native Gum Trees in New Zealand?
No. New Zealand has no native eucalyptus or gum trees. The country’s native forests are dominated by southern beech (Nothofagus), kauri, rimu, tōtara, and other conifers and broadleaf trees. The only “gum” that is native is the
gum digger’s kauri gum – a fossilised resin from ancient kauri trees, not from a living gum tree. So if you want a true eucalyptus, you must plant one or find a planted specimen.
Where Can You Find Gum Trees in New Zealand Today?
Eucalyptus trees are common across New Zealand, but they are
introduced species. You’ll see them:
- Along roadsides and farm shelterbelts
- In forestry plantations (e.g., in the central North Island)
- In public parks and botanical gardens
- In residential gardens, especially in warmer areas
- On some convalescent farms and lifestyle blocks
Popular locations include the Canterbury Plains, Hawke’s Bay, and parts of the Bay of Plenty. The climate in much of New Zealand is mild enough for many eucalyptus species to thrive.
What Types of Eucalyptus Grow Well in New Zealand?
Several species are commonly planted. Here is a simple table to compare the most frequent ones:
| Species |
Common Name |
Height (m) |
Best Use |
| Eucalyptus nitens |
Shining gum |
50–70 |
Timber, pulp |
| Eucalyptus fastigata |
Brown barrel |
40–60 |
Shelter, timber |
| Eucalyptus regnans |
Mountain ash |
60–90 |
Tall timber |
| Eucalyptus cinerea |
Silver dollar gum |
10–15 |
Ornamental |
| Eucalyptus nicholii |
Willow peppermint |
12–18 |
Flower arranging |
If you want to grow eucalyptus from seed or young trees, check the hardiness zone for your area. Most species tolerate light frost once established.
Eucalyptus nitens and
Eucalyptus fastigata are two of the most frost-tolerant and are widely used in New Zealand forestry.
Can You Grow Gum Trees in Your New Zealand Garden?
Yes, absolutely. Many gardeners grow eucalyptus for their fast growth, interesting bark, and aromatic leaves. Here are practical tips for success:
- Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
- Water regularly for the first two summers.
- Mulch around the base to keep roots cool.
- Stake young trees if you are in a windy area.
- Prune lower branches to encourage a single leader.
For small gardens, choose a dwarf or slow-growing species like
Eucalyptus caesia (silver princess) or
Eucalyptus pulverulenta (baby blue). Avoid planting large timber species too close to buildings, as they can shed limbs in storms.
Look for eucalyptus seeds on Amazon – many species are sold in small packs suitable for home gardeners.
Are Gum Trees a Problem for New Zealand's Environment?
Like many introduced species, eucalyptus can become invasive in certain conditions. Some species, especially
Eucalyptus nitens and
Eucalyptus regnans, have a high water demand and can dry out streamsides. Their leaf litter can also change soil chemistry over time. However, in most of New Zealand, eucalyptus do not spread aggressively because the climate is not hot or fire-prone enough to trigger mass seed release. They are
not considered major environmental weeds compared to, say, wilding pines or gorse.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) lists only a handful of eucalyptus species as potentially invasive, mainly in coastal or disturbed areas. Most garden varieties are safe to plant with common sense – avoid planting too close to native bush reserves.
What Are Gum Trees Used for in New Zealand?
Eucalyptus has many uses in New Zealand:
- Timber – for posts, poles, decking, and flooring. It is strong and naturally rot-resistant.
- Pulpwood – for paper and cardboard, mainly from E. nitens.
- Shelterbelts – to block wind on farms and orchards.
- Essential oils – leaves are distilled for medicinal and cleaning products.
- Cut foliage – eucalyptus stems are sold in flower markets for bouquets.
- Honey – some beekeepers place hives near eucalyptus groves for a distinct flavoured honey.
If you are into woodworking or do-it-yourself projects, you can often buy eucalyptus timber from local sawmills. For small cuts or turning blanks, check Amazon for eucalyptus wood accessories.
Eucalyptus wood products like cutting boards are also popular on Amazon.
Do Koalas Live in New Zealand Gum Trees?
No. Koalas are not native to New Zealand and are not present in the wild anywhere in the country. Even though eucalyptus trees grow here, the koala is an Australian marsupial that requires very specific leaves from certain eucalyptus species. New Zealand does not have the right combination of species or a large enough area to support wild koalas. You will only find koalas in zoos or wildlife parks – for example, at Auckland Zoo or Wellington Zoo. So if you plant a gum tree in your backyard, expect birds and insects, not koalas.
Are Gum Trees Dangerous or Flammable?
Eucalyptus trees contain volatile oils in their leaves, bark, and wood. In Australia, they are notorious for fuelling intense bushfires. However, in New Zealand, the fire risk is lower because the climate is wetter and natural bushfires are less common. Still, it is wise to keep large gum trees away from your house, especially in dry summer areas like Canterbury or Central Otago. The bark can also be a slipping hazard when it peels and falls in large strips.
If you decide to plant eucalyptus, consider these safety tips:
- Keep trees at least 10 metres from buildings.
- Prune low-hanging branches.
- Rake up fallen leaves and bark regularly near structures.
- Choose non-flammable ground covers underneath.
How Long Do Gum Trees Live in New Zealand?
Most eucalyptus are not long-lived compared to native trees. In New Zealand, a typical gum tree may live 80 to 150 years, depending on the species. Fast-growing timber species often start to decline after 50–70 years, especially if they are not managed. Ornamental species like silver dollar gum may live only 30–60 years before becoming scraggly. For comparison, a kauri tree can live over 1,000 years. So eucalyptus are more like a “fast and short” investment in your landscape.
Should You Plant a Gum Tree in New Zealand?
It depends on your goals. If you need quick shade, wind protection, or a supply of firewood, eucalyptus is an excellent choice. They grow 2–3 metres per year in good conditions. But if you are planting for future generations or want to support native wildlife, consider native trees like kōwhai, pōhutukawa, or tī kōuka (cabbage tree). Many New Zealand birds have evolved to feed on native plants, and eucalyptus flowers are not a great nectar source for local species.
If you do go with a gum tree, choose a species that matches your space and climate. A good general-purpose choice for most of New Zealand is
Eucalyptus nicholii (willow peppermint) – it stays moderate size, has attractive weeping foliage, and is not too thirsty.
You can find young eucalyptus plants for sale on Amazon – just be sure to check shipping to New Zealand.
What Are the Most Common Mistakes People Make with Gum Trees in NZ?
Here is a quick checklist to avoid problems:
- ☐ Not checking the final height – do not plant a 60 m tree in a 500 m² section.
- ☐ Planting under power lines – eucalyptus grow fast and can cause outages.
- ☐ Overwatering – once established, they prefer drier roots.
- ☐ Ignoring pruning – they can develop multiple leaders that break easily.
- ☐ Forgetting about leaf litter – some species shed huge amounts of bark and leaves.
With a little planning, a gum tree can be a fine addition to a New Zealand property – just remember it is a visitor from across the Tasman, not a local.
