Dunelands were widespread, but most extensive along the west coast of the North Island and in coastal Canterbury and Southland. Unstable dunes close to the sea were generally dominated by pingao and spinifex, while more stable dunes supported the sand tussock Austrofestuca littoralis. More stable areas also supported a number of sprawling shrubs (Coprosma, Pimelea and Muehlenbeckia) and sand-binding herbs (Calystegia and Euphorbia).

With time, these areas were probably joined by small tree species such as kānuka, mānuka, ngaio, and akeake, and then by larger species such as pōhutukawa in the north and southern rātā in wetter southern districts. With continued stability, these dunelands probably would develop into a forest similar to that on adjacent landscapes. For example, the pre-human forest on the sand spit at Mangawhai contained tōtara, mataī, lacebark, maire and tītoki.

The projected natural range of dunelands is 146,202 hectares along the west coast of Northland, Auckland, Waikato and Manawatu and along the coast of Canterbury and Southland.

More information: Coastal Restoration Trust

Common native species, photos courtesy of NZ Plant Conservation Network: