Rata (Metrosiderus robusta)
A deep red to purple timber, dense and heavy with a long, twisted wavy grain. It is hard, strong and durable. Southern Rata – not to be confused with the Northern Rata from the North Island – is found along the West Coast of the South Island where rainfall is highest. Summer flowers are vivid red and the trees provide a magnificent sight when seen growing on the hillsides.

Totara (Podocarpus totara)
A brownish-red heavy wood. It grows throughout the islands. Used originally as piles to support timber houses, many of which are still intact after 100 years. Synonymous with strength and durability, it has been used as railway sleepers, telegraph poles and construction timber. Now used mostly for carving and furniture-making, it is the preferred wood for Maori carving and canoe construction.

Matai(Prumnopitys taxifolia)
A beautiful, lighter coloured wood of medium weight. The grain is often swirling and wavy, especially near the roots and limbs, creating a beautiful effect. A durable timber, traditionally used for Maori carving and is excellent for musical instruments. A hard-wearing, high resistance wood, nowadays used for table and bench tops, furniture making, sills and doorstops.

Rimu (Dacrydium cupressinum)
A medium weight wood, used extensively by the first settlers for timber house framing. Now used for finishing work such as furniture, floors, walls, benches and architraves.One of the most distinctive forest canopy trees, the Rimu (or Red Pine) can be found throughout New Zealand and can reach a height of approximately 40 metres.