Shelterbelt Hedging in NZ: Best Trees for Windbreaks, Privacy & Rural Protection

Shelterbelt hedging is one of the most effective ways to protect your property from wind, weather and nosy neighbours. Whether you’re on a lifestyle block, farm, or exposed coastal site, a well-planned shelterbelt can dramatically improve growing conditions.

A good shelterbelt in New Zealand doesn’t just look smart — it:

• reduces wind, dust and noise
• limits soil erosion
• protects crops, gardens and buildings
• boosts privacy
  
• creates a calmer, more sheltered microclimate

Below are some of the top-performing shelterbelt and windbreak trees for NZ conditions, with spacing tips, planting advice, and a guide to creating native shelterbelts.

Best Shelterbelt Trees for NZ Properties

Cupressus ‘Robinsons Gold’ — Fast-Growing Golden Shelterbelt Tree

A fast-growing shelterbelt tree with a splash of colour.

• Golden foliage with bright tips
• Suitable for most soil types
• As vigorous as typical green Leylands
• Cold hardy; trims well
• Approx. 6m in five years
• Plant at 1.2–2m spacings

Perfect if you want a strong windbreak with a more decorative finish.

Cupressus x ovensii — Hardy, Disease-Resistant Windbreak Tree

One of the most reliable shelterbelt trees for Canterbury, Otago and wider NZ rural properties.

• Fast-growing, excellent for trimmed hedging
• Dense, dark-green foliage
• Forms heartwood early
• Resistant to cypress canker
• Evergreen and robust
• Approx. 7m in five years
• Plant at 1.2–2m spacings

A go-to option for farms needing long-lasting, low-risk shelter.

Thuja ‘Green Giant’ — World-Renowned Windbreak & Privacy Screen

Highly popular for tall hedging and long shelter lines.

• Fast-growing with lush dark-green foliage
• Ideal trimmed or left natural
• Disease-free (no canker)
• Great backdrop for gardens or driveways
• Plant at 1.5m centres

Excellent for lifestyle blocks wanting height without fuss.

How to Space Shelterbelt Trees for the Best Wind Protection

Spacing Cupressus (Leyland Shelterbelt Trees)

• Plant in a single row or zig-zag pattern
• Space 1.2–2m apart
• Trim twice a year for best density and wind protection

Spacing Thuja ‘Green Giant’

• Works in a straight line or zig-zag pattern
• Best spaced at 1.5m
• Can be maintained as a hedge or left natural

Correct spacing ensures your shelterbelt grows dense at the base (the area that matters most for blocking wind).

How to Plant a Native Shelterbelt in New Zealand

If your focus is biodiversity and long-term ecological value, a native shelterbelt is a fantastic option. Native species support birds, insects and pollinators while blending naturally into the NZ landscape.

Benefits of a Native Shelterbelt

• Attracts native birds and beneficial insects
• Low maintenance once established
• No need for regular topping
• More natural, layered appearance
• Provides year-round shelter and habitat

Spacing & Structure for Native Windbreaks

• Best planted in multi-row formations, not single rows
• Minimum width: 5 metres to fit mixed species and heights
• Combine fast growers + tough backbone species for resilience

Recommended Native Shelterbelt Plants

Griselinia (Broadleaf), Pittosporum, Corokia, Coprosma, Hebe, Phormium (flax), Olearia, Leptospermum (Manuka), Kunzea (Kanuka), Hoheria (Lacebark), Plagianthus (Ribbonwood), Austroderia (Toetoe). Cordyline (Cabbage tree)

FAQs About Shelterbelt Trees & Windbreak Planting in NZ

What is the best shelterbelt tree for NZ rural properties?

Cupressus x ovensii and Thuja ‘Green Giant’ are two of the most popular choices for farms and lifestyle blocks due to their fast growth, hardiness, and disease resistance.

What is the fastest-growing tree for a windbreak in NZ?

Thuja ‘Green Giant’ is considered one of the fastest. Cupressus ‘Robinsons Gold’ and standard Leylands are also rapid growers.

How tall should a shelterbelt be?

A shelterbelt generally protects an area around 10–20 times its height. For example, a 7m shelterbelt can reduce wind for 70–140m downwind.

Can shelterbelt trees be left untrimmed?

Yes — Thuja ‘Green Giant’ can be left natural. Cupressus varieties benefit from trimming to maintain density and prevent gaps.

How do I stop shelterbelt trees from getting gaps at the base?

Regular trimming (especially in the first few years) encourages dense lower growth. Correct spacing also prevents sparse patches.

Are native shelterbelts as effective as Cupressus or Thuja?

Yes, when planted in multi-row systems. Native shelterbelts provide excellent long-term shelter and biodiversity but take longer to reach full height.

Do I need irrigation for a shelterbelt?

Not always, but young trees benefit from deep watering during their first two summers while their roots establish, especially in Canterbury’s dry conditions.

Which native trees grow fastest for shelter?

Ribbonwood, Broadleaf (Griselinia), Pittosporum, Olearia and Manuka are among the quickest-growing native options.

How far apart should shelterbelt trees be planted?

• Cupressus: 1.2–2m
• Thuja Green Giant: 1.5m
• Native multi-row: varies by species, typically 1–1.5m within each row

Can I mix native and exotic species in a windbreak?

Yes — mixed shelterbelts can work well as long as growth rates and mature heights are considered.

Still Deciding Which Shelterbelt Is Best for Your Property?

Whether you need fast-growing windbreak trees, a low-maintenance privacy hedge, or a multi-row native shelterbelt, we can help you choose the right plants for your environment. 

Call us on 0800 394 946 — we’re happy to talk through options.