About New Zealand Native Climbers
New Zealand's native climbers include both delicate ornamental vines and robust forest lianas. These versatile plants can be used to create vertical interest in gardens, cover structures, or add a natural aesthetic to walls and fences. Many native climbers produce attractive flowers or berries that attract birds and insects.
Explore Our Native Climbing Plants
Northern Rātā
Metrosideros robusta
Starting life as an epiphyte, this climber eventually becomes a massive forest tree with red flowers.
Pōhuehue
Muehlenbeckia complexa
A versatile small-leaved wire vine perfect for covering walls or as a groundcover.
Supplejack
Ripogonum scandens
A vigorous forest vine forming dense tangles with distinctive red berries.
Kōhia
Passiflora tetrandra
New Zealand's native passion vine with fascinating flowers and orange seed pods.
Kaihua
Parsonsia heterophylla
A woody climber with variable leaves and sweet-scented yellowish flowers.
Tātarāmoa
Rubus cissoides
A prickly native bramble that clings to passing clothing, with edible berries.
Māngi-māngi
Lygodium articulatum
An unusual climbing fern that can form dense curtains of foliage in native forests.
Growing Native Climbers in Your Garden
Native climbers can add vertical interest and habitat value to your garden. Most prefer well-draining soil and some form of support structure. Consider the ultimate size and vigor of your chosen species when planning - some like Supplejack can become quite substantial over time.
Many native climbers attract birds with their flowers or berries, making them excellent choices for wildlife-friendly gardens.
