Gumlands are shrub-covered, flat to rolling land in Northland, which have deposits of kauri gum. Most remaining gumlands are around Kaitaia or Kaikohe. Soils are strongly leached, very infertile, and often waterlogged. They have become more widespread since human settlement as a result of repeated fires. The vegetation is typically heathland, comprising low-growing mānuka and other shrubs, sedges, and ferns, especially tangle ferns. Mānuka dominates drier gumlands and tangle fern dominates wetter ones. Sedges dominate recently burnt sites, with shrubs becoming dominant again over time.

The expected natural range* of gumlands across Aotearoa is 151,665 hectares.

More info: Wetland Restoration Handbook

*area this ecosystem could occupy without the presence of people.