Matakana palm nursery FAQ
Got a question? We’ve pulled together the most common things people ask before visiting the nursery, ordering plants, or loading up a trailer. If you can’t find what you need, get in touch. We’re always happy to help.
Frequently asked questions
Do you sell direct to the public?
Yes. You’re welcome to visit the nursery and shop in person. Many customers prefer to come out, walk through the plants, and choose what works best for their space.
How do I order and pay?
You can order plants online, in person, or via email.
It’s always best to visit the nursery if you can. You’ll be able to see the full range in person and we’re happy to show you established plants in the garden so you can understand how they grow and what size they'll reach.
Payment can be made via EFTPOS, cash, or invoice. If you order by email, we’ll confirm your order and invoice you directly.
Do you offer Click & Collect?
Yes. You can order ahead and pick up your plants when it suits you. It’s a great option if you want to plan your visit or make sure specific plants are ready for you.
Is there a loan trailer available?
We have a free loan trailer that takes 1.5-2m cube (depending on the product). It is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Just ask the team when you arrive or pre book it by contacting the team. You'll need to provide some details.
Can I get help choosing the right plants?
We’re happy to talk through your garden, space and conditions to help you choose the right palms and subtropical plants.
Some points to consider: soil type, wind conditions, privacy needs, space, budget, maintenance, time, planting season, delivery, watering, feeding, frosts.
When is the best time to plant palm trees?
In the Autumn or Spring when the ground is moist from rain and so the plant will have longer to establish before the plant’s first summer.
However, palms can be planted anytime if regularly watered when it’s dry. Irrigation is a good thing to consider if you have sandy soil.
What type of fertiliser should I use?
We use a 50/50 mixture of two products: instant NPK fertiliser – Ballance Yara Mila Complex and Agroblen 8–9 month slow release.
Australian Grass Trees – Please note they require NO phosphate in any fertilisers. Give a mix of potash and nitrogen and be mindful of fertilising plants around them as it may leach down and will kill these beautiful plants.
Which is the best soil type for my palm trees?
Ideally free draining, such as peat. However, they will grow in any soil type if drainage/watering is sorted.
Clay soil has a tendancy to get waterloggged if drainage isn't considered.
Sandy soil doesn't hold water. For example; Omaha Beach soil. Watering in the first few dry seasons is very important. Consider putting in irrigation if its a bach, if you are rarely there to water in the summer.
Do you sell landscape supplies as well as plants?
We stock garden mix, forest floor, woodchip and aged mulch. At times we stock Point Wells peat soil (when available).
Do you deliver plants?
Yes, we can arrange delivery within Auckland and further afield depending on the order.
For deliveries within Central Auckland, we can usually arrange combined delivery runs to help keep costs down. Delivery to Auckland is typically around $100-$250 per order, with runs scheduled at least once every 10 business days. Further south may incur additional charges.
For customers outside the region, we can organise freight through specialist plant transport providers.
Courier (small plants only):
We can courier smaller plants in 3.5L pots and under (maximum height 75cm including pot). This includes varieties such as Clivia, 3.5L Nikau, Xanadu and Rio Reds.
Get in touch for a tailored quote and we’ll work out the best option for you.
Do you deliver landscape supplies?
Yes, we offer local delivery within 10km for $50.
We can deliver:
- Forest Floor (up to 6 cubic metres)
- Woodchip (up to 6 cubic metres)
- Post Peelings (up to 6 cubic metres)
- Waikato Loam (up to 5 cubic metres)
See our landscape product pages for pricing per cubic metre.
When are you open?
We’re open Monday to Friday, with Saturday hours as well. Hours can vary around busy periods, so it’s always best to check before visiting. Our normal hours are Mon – Fri: 8.00am to 4.00 pm and Saturday from 10.00am to 1.00pm. Please be aware of Matakana Market traffic if you’re visiting us on Saturday. On Sundays, we’re closed.
We are closed on Saturdays in July and August.
Can I come to Matakana Palms just to have a look?
We offer paid tours to garden clubs. Customers are welcome to visit to get inspiration in the show garden with a staff member, see mature plants in the garden.
Do you offer plant hire?
Yes. We provide short-term indoor and outdoor plant hire for events and real estate staging in the Matakana area. To request a quote, email us with details including your purpose, hire length, watering or maintenance preferences, and preferred drop-off and pick-up times.
Do you have a garden space available for photoshoots?
The Whistler’s subtropical show garden at Matakana Palms offers a gorgeous setting for wedding photography and commercial shoots, just 50 minutes from Auckland. For availability, pricing, or to discuss your shoot, get in touch.
Do you do gift vouchers?
You can now buy vouchers from our website that can be used instore or online.