How to Grow Macadamia in New Zealand
Updated June 2026
Macadamias suit warm frost-free northern and coastal districts and want slightly acidic free-draining soil. Plant a grafted cultivar in spring, not a seedling. Slow to crop, taking 4 to 6 years, but long-lived.
What it looks like as it grows
When to plant macadamia in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | March, April, September, October, November |
| Auckland | March, April, September, October, November |
| Waikato & BoP | March, April, September, October, November |
| Wellington | March, April, September, October, November |
| Nelson & Marlborough | March, April, September, October, November |
Best macadamia varieties for NZ
- Beaumont, Reliable heavy-cropping grafted variety, the common backyard choice in warmer districts. (Incredible Edibles, specialist nurseries)
- Own Choice, Productive grafted cultivar with good kernel quality. (specialist nurseries)
How to grow macadamia
- Space plants about 700cm apart.
- Sow seed around 40cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 1460 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 1 days.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Guava moth, Green vegetable bug. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
🌱 Plant Macadamia in your garden →For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Macadamia plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant macadamia in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in March, April, September, October, November. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy macadamia seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Incredible Edibles, specialist nurseries.