Planting
Native planting sits at the heart of Rotoroa’s transformation. From revegetating the interior to stabilising eroding coastlines, every planting effort helps accelerate nature’s return and create healthy habitats for kiwi, takahē, weka, and countless other native species.
Planting Programme
Our native planting programme is based on practical knowledge of what grows best on an exposed small island in the Hauraki Gulf.
Starting with over 60 weed species, intensive management and carefully spaced plantings has reduced our weed species to fewer than a dozen.
Now, over ten years on, we have near-complete canopy closure and rich soils supporting kiwi, takahē, weka, tīeke/saddlebacks, pōpokotea/whitehead, and more. Walk our trails and witness an island reborn.
Coastal Planting
Our coastal planting programme uses native bioengineering to halt beach erosion and rebuild Rotoroa's shoreline. Spinifex, flax, coprosma, and pingao have been planted along Ladies', Men's, Home, and MaiMai Bays to stabilise dunes and trap sand naturally.
The results are already remarkable. Spinifex runners stretch 4–5 metres, plants are thriving, and sand returnied to eroded beaches. Beyond erosion control, these plantings are restoring habitats for shore skinks and native insects, creating more stable beaches and immensely enjoyable spaces for visitors. Everything is connected—more plants equals more sand, more stability, and healthier islands.
