Mangroves
Coastal factsheet series
About the document
Mangroves are woody trees or shrubs that grow in shallow intertidal margins of sheltered coastal and estuarine environments. In New Zealand there is only one mangrove species (Avicennia marina subspecies australasica, also known as Manawa). It is a native species that grows in estuaries in the northern part of the North Island. The limits of its range occur at Kawhia Harbour on the west coast and Ohiwa Harbour on the east coast. Although New Zealand mangroves can tolerate mild frosts, their distribution is thought to be mainly limited by cold temperatures. In Waikato estuaries mature mangroves are typically 2-4 metres tall.