A bird-friendly garden brings your outdoor space to life. With the right selection of trees, you can attract tūī, kererū, bellbirds, waxeyes and more — all while creating a lush, vibrant landscape. Here’s how to design a garden that supports native birds year-round.
1. Plant for Year-Round Food Sources
Different trees feed birds at different times of the year. By mixing species, you ensure there’s always something available.
Nectar-rich trees for tūī and bellbirds:
-
Kōwhai
-
Rewarewa
-
Flax (harakeke)
-
Pōhutukawa / rātā
-
Bottlebrush
Fruit and berries for kererū:
-
Puriri
-
Karamū
-
Miro
-
Pigeonwood
-
Nikau
Autumn/winter food sources:
These months are often lean — trees like kōwhai, camellia, and certain natives help bridge the gap.