Throughout the warmer coastal regions of the North Island of NZ, the New Zealand Christmas Tree (also known as Pohutukawa tree) blooms profusely from around mid December until mid to late January.
The Pohutukawa is a hardy tree which can tolerate extreme coastal conditions and is therefore often chosen for coastal planting. Driving along the coasts of Taranaki, the Coromandel and all the way to the far north during the early summer months is a delightful sight when clusters of christmas trees are in full bloom.
Pohutukawa Tree, metsiderosis excelsa, New Zealand Christmas Tree, at Omata Beach, Taranaki, North Island, New Zealand.