Podocarpus totara (tōtara) is a classic New Zealand native evergreen tree with sharp, olive-green needle-like leaves, reddish-brown bark, and bright red berry-like fruit on female trees in autumn, growing slowly into a broad, spreading form up to 20 metres tall, and valued for its durable timber and versatility across a wide range of conditions, from lowland to montane forests, where it thrives in full sun and well-drained soils while tolerating frost, drought, wind, and coastal environments.
Podocarpus totara
Botanical Name Podocarpus Totara Maori Name tōtara Common Name Totara Family Podocarpaceae Type Tree Origin Endemic to New Zealand — widespread throughout both the North and South Islands Mature Height 20m (30-60cm per year) Mature Spread 10m Sun Requirements Full sun Soil Grows best in well-drained sandy, loamy, or gravelly soils, but tolerates poorer or moderately heavy soils if not waterlogged Flowering female trees have bright red, berry-like fruit in autumn Wind Tolerance Wind tolerant Frost Tolerance Frost tender when young
Drought Tolerance Good — tolerates drought and dry soils Growth Rate Slow Maintenance Very low Conservation Status Not Threatened We are committed to sending you healthy, quality plants and want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase.
Damaged or Incorrect Plants: If your plant arrives damaged or is not what you ordered, please contact us within 48 hours of delivery with a photo of the plant and your order number. We will arrange a replacement or issue a full refund at no cost to you.
Plant Health Guarantee: We guarantee your plant will arrive in good health. If your plant arrives in poor condition due to transit issues, we will work with you to make it right.
Change of Mind: As living plants are perishable, we are unable to accept returns for change of mind. We encourage you to research plants before purchasing — our team is always happy to answer questions before you buy.
Once Planted: We are unable to offer refunds for plants that have been planted and have subsequently died. Plant survival depends on local conditions, planting technique, watering, and ongoing care — factors outside our control.
Getting our plants to you…
Tree Guys Nurseries will courier your order to any destination in New Zealand - North or South Islands. Orders are despatched on a Monday or Tuesday so all orders must be received by Friday the week before.
Please ensure delivery details are clear and accurate and add delivery instructions if needed - that way we can get our plants to you faster.
Please note: We have a minimum plant order of $45 (unless you are picking up plants).
Delivery Costs:
Courier & Packing costs charges are calculated at checkout time depending on the size of stock selected and the delivery destination - by going to check out you can find out the cost of freight, this does not obligate you to proceed with the order.
- All plants and freight must be paid for prior to your order being sent.
- If the plants you order are too big to be couriered we will contact you about alternative delivery arrangements.
Box Sizing & Freight Costs:
Small:
8 x 9cm pots
6 x 10cm pot
2 x Pb5 Bag or 3L Pot
Medium:
25 x 9cm pots
16 x 10cm pot
6 - 8 x Pb5 Bag or 3L Pot
Large (suitable for taller plants):
24 x 9cm pots
15 x 10cm pot
6 - 8 x Pb5 Bag or 3L Pot
North Island
Hawkes Bay - All Boxes $10
Northern Hawkes Bay - All Boxes $15
Outside Hawkes Bay - small $35, large $48
South Island
All of South Island - small $45, medium $55, large $90
Please note: We do not ship to Australia or internationally, in compliance with New Zealand biosecurity regulations.
