Found in the central and southern North Island, this ecosystem is dominated by tawa and kāmahi trees, with hīnau, rewarewa and māhoe also common. Above this canopy rimu, miro and tōtara trees poke through. Pukatea is common, particularly on valley floors, and there is often lots of kohekohe at lower elevations in wetter climates. Black beech can form discrete enclaves on dry ridges, and is seen in hill-country north of Gisborne and inland from Whanganui.

The projected natural range of rimu/tawa-kāmahi forest is 4,395,387 hectares.

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