Found on the inland foothills and loess-mantled downs from South Canterbury to Southland, this ecosystem is dominated by mataī, tōtara, kahikatea, and rimu. These larger trees emerge over a canopy that mostly includes kāpuka/broadleaf, fuchsia, and tarata. Pōkākā is abundant, particularly on poorly drained soils. Miro and kāmahi are also widespread further to the south.

The projected natural range of mataī-tōtara-kahikatea-rimu/broadleaf-fuchsia forest is 746,694..

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