The uniqueness of the New Zealand flora is a result of its separation from the rest of the world and many of the tree, plant and fern species found here are endemic. Before humans arrived, approximately 1000 years ago, around 80% of the land was covered in bush and forest. The remaining 20% was mostly mountain tops. The Maori settlers cleared land for hunting, gardens and pas (fortified villages) while the arrival of Europeans in the 19th century saw many more forests cleared for agriculture, farming and settlements.

Fortunately, National Parks and Scenic Reserves were set up to protect the remaining forests, beginning with the gifting of 796 sq km (310 sq miles) of land at Tongariro by local Maori to the government in 1887. Today there are 14 national parks covering just under 25,000 sq km (9650 sq miles), 20 forest parks covering 18,000 sq km (6950 sq miles), and approximately 3,500 scenic reserves covering 15,000 sq km (5790 sq miles). Programs have been implemented to eradicate introduced browsers such as possums, goats and deer while areas of exotic vegetation are being cleared and replanted with native species.

Evergreen lowland forests are being re-populated by giant, slow-growing trees such as kauri, kahikatea (New Zealand's tallest tree growing to 60 metres or 200 ft), rimu, and totara. Growing in the shade of trees such as these you will find an abundance of ferns. Although only about 200 of the 10,000 or so known fern species are found in New Zealand the fern has become an iconic emblem widely used by New Zealand sports teams, export companies and even the government. When New Zealanders think of lush forest, images of profuse fern-life always come to mind. The largest fern found in New Zealand is the Black Tree Fern, or Mamaku, which grows up to 20 metres (65 ft) high.

Dense beech forests, a common sight in mountainous areas, give way to rare flora of the subalpine and alpine regions, which botanists from all over the world come to study. The Mount Cook lily, while a common sight in the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, is popular with visitors as it is the largest buttercup in the world.

Hillsides and coastlines, particularly in the North Island, come alive in spring and summer with the brilliant yellow flowers of the kowhai and the striking red blooms of pohutukawa, also known as the New Zealand Christmas Tree.

Through the work of the Department of Conservation and other eco-conscious groups, New Zealand's native flora is being carefully protected and nurtured, benefitting the native fauna and ensuring that getting out into the great outdoors remains a wonderful experience.