A small orchid plant growing on the side of a tree with tiny yellow flowers

Orchids in Aotearoa New Zealand

There are over 100 species of orchids in Aotearoa New Zealand and come in a variety of shapes, colours, and dimensions. Some are epiphytic (live on trees), while others are terrestrial and are usually found on the forest floor or among scrub.

Our orchids thrive in diverse habitats. They inhabit forests, wetlands, mountain tops, and even roadsides across Aotearoa New Zealand. Some species are also found in the cold and remote Subantarctic Islands.

A man in a blue tshirt and a cap is crouched down on the ground and inspecting a small plant.

How do you grow onion orchids? Peeling back the layers of an overlooked native

Easily overlooked and regionally endangered, very little is known about the habits and needs of our endemic small onion orchid Microtis oligantha. As this year’s Victoria University of Wellington Summer Scholar at Te Papa and Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush, Ben Carson aims to make the acquaintance of these unusual orchids.

Scientists join forces to prevent extinction of New Zealand’s rarest orchid

Bringing the swamp helmet orchid back from the brink of extinction is a mission that requires a multidisciplinary team of scientists, good eyesight and a lot of patience. Curator Dr Carlos Lehnebach talks about his latest research to save this species.

Summer scholar turns the spotlight on native tree-perching orchids

In 2023, summer research intern joe Dillon spent his summer at Te Papa and Ōtari Wilton's Bush studying New Zealand epiphytic orchids (perching orchirds).

Four small green flowers at the base of a tree.

Orchid hunting in the Remutaka Range

Botany Curator Carlos Lehnebach led a group of scientists and postgraduate students to several orchid-rich spots in the Remutaka Range, about 40 minutes from Wellington. The aim of the trip was to find the different forms of the native Spider orchid (Nematoceras trilobum) in flower.

Orchids in Aotearoa New Zealand

How do you grow onion orchids? Peeling back the layers of an overlooked native

Scientists join forces to prevent extinction of New Zealand’s rarest orchid

Summer scholar turns the spotlight on native tree-perching orchids

Orchid hunting in the Remutaka Range

A 10-year hunt for a tiny parasitic ghost orchid

Research: Conservation of rare and threatened plants

Describing the New Zealand orchid flora