About This Business
About This Business

Tawapou Coastal Natives, located on Northland's iconic Tutukaka Coast, is a nursery that welcomes the public throughout the year. The nursery is situated just before Matapouri Bay and is well worth the drive. Tawapou Coastal Natives specializes in growing native plants, including species such as Griselinia littoralis, Sophora 'Dragon's Gold', Alectryon excelsus, and Pouteria costata or Planchonella, also known as Tawapou. The nursery is open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 10am to 3pm, and offers a wide range of plants suitable for various environments, including coastal sites. In addition to its nursery, Tawapou Coastal Natives also features sculptures by Guy Bowden, the owner of the nursery, who is a talented sculptor. The sculptures are available for viewing on the farm, and Guy's work has been exhibited in various shows, including the NZ Sculpture on Shore. Tawapou Coastal Natives also offers glamping accommodations at Matapouri Glamping, which is located right next to the nursery. The nursery is committed to community involvement and has hosted community planting days, such as the one that took place on Matariki Weekend in 2024. Tawapou Coastal Natives is a great destination for those interested in native plants, sculpture, and community-driven initiatives. The nursery's owner, Guy Bowden, is passionate about growing native plants and creating sculptures that reflect his connection to the natural environment. With its unique blend of native plants, sculptures, and community involvement, Tawapou Coastal Natives is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the natural beauty of Northland's Tutukaka Coast. The nursery's commitment to sustainability and community involvement makes it an excellent choice for those looking for a unique and enriching experience. Whether you're interested in purchasing native plants, viewing sculptures, or simply learning more about the local environment, Tawapou Coastal Natives is an excellent destination. The nursery's knowledgeable staff, including Sandra, are available to answer questions and provide guidance on plant selection and care. With its beautiful surroundings, unique sculptures, and commitment to community involvement, Tawapou Coastal Natives is a truly special place that is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who visit. The nursery's focus on native plants and sustainable practices makes it an excellent choice for those looking for a environmentally responsible and unique experience. By visiting Tawapou Coastal Natives, you'll not only be supporting a local business, but also contributing to the preservation of Northland's natural environment. The nursery's community planting days and other initiatives demonstrate its commitment to giving back to the community and promoting sustainability. Overall, Tawapou Coastal Natives is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in native plants, sculpture, and community-driven initiatives. With its unique blend of natural beauty, artistic expression, and community involvement, Tawapou Coastal Natives is an excellent choice for those looking for a unique and enriching experience.

Customer Review
KR
Kai Rahiri

June 06, 2025

★★★☆☆ 3/5
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Underwhelming Encounter with Unfulfilled Expectations

I'm still trying to process my visit to Tawapou Coastal Natives, but the experience left me feeling like I was stuck in a foggy Northland morning - unclear and disappointed. As someone who's passionate about native plants and sustainability, I was excited to explore this nursery and support a local business. However, from the moment I arrived, I felt like something was off. The staff, although friendly, seemed disorganized and unsure about the plants they were selling. I asked about the Griselinia littoralis, and the response was vague and lacking in detail. The sculptures by Guy Bowden were interesting, but they felt like an afterthought, tucked away in a corner of the nursery. What really got me, though, was the lack of community involvement that I had read so much about. I visited on a Saturday, and the place was empty - no community planting days, no events, just a sense of emptiness. I left feeling like I'd missed something, like there was a secret that only the locals knew about. The glamping accommodations at Matapouri Glamping, which I didn't get to experience, seemed like an interesting concept, but it felt disconnected from the rest of the nursery. As I drove away, I couldn't help but think that Tawapou Coastal Natives had failed to live up to its promise. It's not that it was bad; it just wasn't what I had expected. Maybe I visited on an off day, or maybe my expectations were too high. All I know is that I won't be back anytime soon, and that's a shame, because I really wanted to love this place.

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Company Overview
Tawapou Coastal Natives
★★★☆☆
3.0/5 (1 reviews)

Tutukaka, Northland, New Zealand

027 344 3975

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