Dune restoration, Long Bay

Dune planting guide

We can all be part of protecting, restoring and
connecting Auckland's biodiversity.

Dunes

Vegetation plays an important role in the formation and stabilisation of coastal

sand dunes. Residential development, recreational activities, farming practices
and sand mining have contributed to the modification of coastal dunes. Dune
vegetation has been damaged or destroyed, and this has led to dune instability
and wind erosion. Introduced plant species such as marram (Ammophila
arenaria) have been planted to try and stabilise these areas and in some areas
have displaced native species. It is now recognised that native dune plants
provide the best protection.
Coloniser foredune plants, spinifex (Spinifex sericeus) and pingao (Ficinia spiralis), trap wind
blown sand in the frontal dune (foredune) and have adapted to grow through accumulations of
wind blown sand. The leaves and runners of these plants cause a reduction in the surface speed
of wind. The reduction in wind energy results in the deposition of sand on and around these
plants, naturally rebuilding dunes after erosion.

The backdune area is the more stable area behind the foredune. In this area, conditions are
slightly more sheltered and a wider range of species may be grown.

Planning your coastal planting

See Coastal planting guide 1 for detailed information on planning your coastal planting, site
preparation and ecosourcing plants.
Spacing of plants will differ depending on their growth form. For example, sand binding species
and sedges need to be planted 0.5m apart to encourage vegetation cover, while trees and shrubs
will only need to be planted at 1.0-1.5m centres. Larger trees such as pōhutukawa need to be
planted more than 5m apart. Set plants out in groups and plant closely to each other to provide
sheltered environments.

Protect. Restore. Connect.

 Typical dune
vegetation sequence
shore
bindweed

Spinifex Muehlenbeckia
pı̄ngao Hebe
tauhinu coastal five finger
Spinifex flax
flax marsh flax cabbage tree
Muehlenbeckia
clubrush Muehlenbeckia

Foredune Backdune Coastal forest

Dune vegetation

Can: Cannot:

Provide habitat and increase biodiversity Prevent direct wave erosion

Prevent wind erosion by decreasing wind speed at Tolerate excessive physical damage caused by people,
ground level stock or vehicles

Build up sand dunes and reduce the extent of erosion Tolerate mismanagement such as mowing
during storms

Tolerate a hostile environment with high winds, salt spray, sand Tolerate top soiling
blast, covering by sand, sandy soil and little water

Accept massive movements of the dunes Tolerate introduction of unsuitable plant species

Tolerate burning

Planting list
Some species which are successful on dunes, and
readily available at Auckland garden centres/nurseries
are listed in the following table. Where practicable
plants/seeds should be obtained from local sources
(e.g. eco-sourced) and will therefore be able to cope
with local environmental conditions. Plant in autumn
for best results, so that the plants can become well
established before the dry summer months.

To stop the spread of invasive pests please check all

mulch, plants, their soil and containers (before you
move them to your planting site) for contaminants,
eggs and live animals e.g. Rainbow skinks and
Argentine ants. Please avoid using contaminated soil
and plant material in your restoration planting. Pıngao, New Zealand coastal plant

Species abundance
The species abundance (+) in the table indicates the
approximate proportion that should be used within
the planting. By following these recommendations the
planting will replicate natural species abundance and
groupings.

Did you know?

Coastal sand dunes are threatened habitats.
Over the last 50 years, 85 per cent of
Auckland’s dunelands have been lost.
Spinifex seed heads, Karioitahi Beach
 Maori name/ Botanical name Lifeform Height Abundance Comment
common name
(+++ use plentifully, ++ use
commonly, + use sparingly)
kōwhangatara/spinifex Spinifex sericeus grass 0.5m +++ Silvery sand binding grass. It is important to bury at least 1/3 of leaves below sand surface.
pıngao/golden sand Ficinia spiralis sedge 0.5 - 1.0m +++ Grows on naturally moving sand dunes. It is important to bury at least 1/3 of leaves below
spiralis sand surface. Will grow in a garden with good drainage. Golden leaved. Also used for
weaving. Threatened plant.
pohuehue/wire vine Muehlenbeckia complexa vine 1m ++ ++ Hardy, ideal for banks and other difficult sites. Vigorous shrubby ground cover.
Dense tangled mass along rocky coast and dunes. Plant in zone immediately landward of
sand binders.
harakeke/flax Phormium tenax herb 2-3m ++ Very hardy, tolerant of salt exposure. Grows in a range of conditions. Excellent shelter,
erect leaves. Upright in habit with tall flower heads that attract birds.
oioi/jointed rush Apodasmia similis rush 1m ++ Bordering salt marshes and estuaries, or in dune hollows.
tauhinu/cottonwood Ozothamnus eptophyllus shrub 5m ++ Grows in sand dunes and will tolerate dry cottonwood conditions and wind.
Grey/green foliage. Very hardy. More common on west coast sites.
taupata Coprosma repens shrub or 2-4m ++ Large shrub or small tree with dark green, glossy, rounded leaves.
small tree Very hardy, excellent wind and seaspray shelter. Orange berries attract birds.
toetoe Austroderia splendens large grass 3m ++ Tolerates drought and salt wind. Can grow on dry disturbed sites. Tall dense
creamy-gold flowering plumes. Not to be confused with the invasive pampas grass
from South America which is later flowering.
sand coprosma Coprosma acerosa ground cover 0.5m + + Small orange leaves with pale blue translucent berries. Rare in Auckland region.
rauparaha/shore Calystegia soldanella ground cover 0.2m + + Pink flower, grows on foredunes, shingle and backdune. Also a ground cover
bindweed for coastal gardens. Establishes naturally.
Carex testacea grass 0.3m + Orange grass found in backdune. Attractive plant for coastal gardens.
giant umbrella sedge Cyperus ustulatus sedge 0.8m + Good in damp areas such as backdune hollows. Forms large dense clumps.
kukaraho/pūrua marsh Bolboschoenus sedge 1-2m + Can grow in dune hollows. Fast growing. Stems die back over winter.
clubrush fluviatilis
mākaka/NZ broom Carmichaelia australis small tree 2-5m + Small bush with lavender flowers.
houpara/coastal five finger Pseudopanax lessonii small tree 7m + Good colonising plant in damaged coastal areas. Grows to a large tree.
Glossy leathery leaves. Responds well to pruning. Very hardy.
karo Pittosporum crassifolium small tree 10m + Vigorous coastal shrub/tree with grey-green foliage and dark red flowers that are scented
at night. Tolerates strong wind, salt and poor soil. Flowers attract birds.
ngaio Myoporum laetum tree 8m + Very wind hardy, grows well in sandy soil. Fleshy gland dotted leaves.
Good shelter tree. Frost tender.
akeake Dodonaea viscosa small tree 10m + Hardy. Attractive pale green seed (summer). Requires shelter from salt laden winds.
tı kōuka/cabbage tree Cordyline australis tree 17m + Erect tree with crown of narrow leaves tufted at the end of branches, white flowers in
spring. Requires some protection when young. Moderate tolerance to salt and wind.
Plant back from the estuarine edge and in damp dune hollows. Fruit attracts birds.
pōhutukawa Metrosideros excelsa large tree 25m + Tolerates tough conditions but requires protection from browsing when young.
Crimson flowers at Christmas attract birds.
BC2224

Backdune vegetation, Bethells Beach

Need more information? References

The Auckland Council’s biodiversity team can provide Auckland Council, Riparian Zone Management Guidelines,
further information on ecological restoration, please TP 148.
contact [email protected] or Bergin, D. & Herbert, J. (1998). Pıngao on Coastal
09 301 0101. Many of the native plants listed in the Sand Dunes. Coastal Dune Vegetation Network Technical
coastal planting guidelines are on display at the Auckland Bulletin No. 1.
Botanic Gardens in Manurewa. Please feel free to visit the
Bergin, D. (1999). Spinifex on Coastal Sand Dunes. Coastal
gardens to familiarise yourself with these plants.
Dune Vegetation Network Technical
For further information on coastal planting, pest control, Bulletin No. 2.
funding opportunities, coastal management and ecological
Bergin, D. (2000). Sand Tussock on Coastal Sand
restoration please contact Auckland Council on 09 301 0101
Dunes. Coastal Dune Vegetation Network
or visit our website www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Technical Bulletin No. 3.
Other factsheets in this series:
Cranwell, L.M. (1981). The Botany of Auckland. Auckland
01 Coastal planting guide War Memorial Museum.
03 Coastal forests Crowe, A. (1995). Which Coastal Plant?
04 Coastal cliff tops Viking Publishers.

05 Coastal wetlands, saltmarshes and estuaries Hesp, P. (2000). Coastal Sand Dunes – Form and Function.
Coastal Dune Vegetation Network Technical Bulletin No. 4.
06 Coastal clay banks
Hilton, M.; MacAuley, U.; Henderson, R. (2000). Inventory of
New Zealand’s active dunelands.
Science for Conservation 157. 30p. + 124 maps.
Morton, J. (1993). A Natural History of Auckland. Bateman
in association with ARC.