389 >### About Pohutukawa trees Pōhutukawa is New Zealand's Christmas tree, and holds a prominent place in Māori mythology. #### New Zealand's Christmas tree The blazing red flowers of pōhutukawa around Christmas time have earned this tree the title of New Zealand's Christmas tree. Pōhutukawa and rātā belong to the genus Metrosideros.In New Zealand, this genus is represented by two pōhutukawa (mainland and Kermadec), six species of rātā vine, a related shrub, and three tree rātā.Mainland pōhutukawa (M. excelsa) occurs naturally in the upper half of the North Island (north of New Plymouth and Gisborne) although it grows from one end of the country to the other. It is easily distinguished from rātā by the hairs on the underside of the leaves.#### Sacred trees Pōhutukawa and rātā hold a prominent place in Māori mythology. Legends tell of the young Māori warrior, Tawhaki and his attempt to find help in heaven to avenge his father's death. He subsequently fell to earth and the crimson flowers are said to represent his blood.Possibly the most famous pōhutukawa in Māori legend is a small, wind-beaten tree clinging to the cliff face near Cape Reinga. The 800-year-old tree is reputed to guard the entrance to a sacred cave through which disembodied spirits pass on their way to the next world.Rātā was often respected for its immense size, which provided, among other things, shelter for weary travellers.Source: [Department of Conservation >>](https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-plants/pohutukawa/)]]> 0 /media/commerce_products/389/artearoa_pohutukawa_cards2.jpg 1 5.22 5.2173913043478 5.22 2025-02-25 09:47:21 artearoa_pohutukawa_card002 0 1 /products/aotearoa-pohutukawa-cards-xmas-cards/ 380 0 /media/commerce_products/380/rangitoto_longexposure_whiteframe_2759.webp 1 156.52 156.52173913043 156.52 2025-02-25 09:47:06 framed_shadowbox_rangitoto 0 1 /products/aotearoa-rangitoto-sunrise-long-exposure-photo-framed_shadowbox_rangitoto/ 217 >](http://www.rangitoto.org/)### Day trip to Rangitoto Rangitoto island is a great destination for a day trip. Discover Rangitoto with Fullers >>Rangitoto erupted from the sea approximately 600 years ago in a series of dramatic explosions. Two episodes 10 to 50 years apart are thought to have lasted for several years each. This makes Rangitoto the youngest island in the Hauraki Gulf.Exploring Rangitoto is a ‘must do’ day out for locals and tourists alike. A gentle climb through lava fields will lead you to the summit in approximately one hour. Allow extra time to explore the lava caves on the way back. Or have a look at the historic bach community near the wharf.Source: Fullers >>]]> 0 /media/commerce_products/217/aotea9_rangi_windows_teal_NEW.jpg 1 21.74 21.739130434783 21.74 2024-12-10 02:44:46 aotea9_rangitoto_teal_foil_print01 0 1 1 /products/aotearoa-rangitoto-teal-foil-print/ 204 >]]> 0 /media/commerce_products/204/box_fantail1.webp 1 156.52 156.52173913043 156.52 2024-12-10 02:44:44 framed_shadowbox_kotare_4991-1 0 1 1 /products/aotearoa-framed-photo-of-fantails-framed_shadowbox_kotare_4991-1/ 157 >]]> 0 /media/commerce_products/157/aotea_poppy_keyring1.webp 1 6.09 6.0869565217391 6.09 2024-12-10 02:43:01 photo_keyrings_poppies01 0 1 5 /products/aotearoa-poppies-photo-keyring/ 58 0 /media/commerce_products/58/framedphotos_box_kotare_4991.webp 1 156.52 156.52173913043 156.52 2024-12-10 02:39:15 framed_shadowbox_kotare_4991 0 1 0 /products/aotearoa-kotare-kingfisher-framed_shadowbox/ 57 0 /media/commerce_products/57/rangi_longexposure1.webp 1 191.30 191.30434782609 191.30 2024-12-10 02:39:15 framed_Rangitoto_LE001 0 1 2 /products/aotearoa-rangitoto-island-long-exposure-shot/ 40 0 /media/commerce_products/40/aotea9_acrylic_photoblock_rangitoto1.jpg 1 150.43 150.4347826087 150.43 2024-12-10 02:39:13 aotea9_acrylic_photoblock_rangitoto_sunrise 0 1 1 /products/aotearoa-acrylic-photoblock-rangitoto-sunrise/ 39 0 /media/commerce_products/39/aotea9_acrylic_photoblock_christchurch1.webp 1 23.48 23.478260869565 23.48 2024-12-10 02:39:13 aotea9_acrylic_photoblock_christchurch_cathedral_90x90_001s 0 1 2 /products/aotearoa-acrylic-photoblock-christchurch-cathedral-aotea9_acrylic_photoblock_christchurch_cathedral_90x90_001s/ 42 >]]> 0 /media/commerce_products/42/artearoa_card_pop_art_pohutukawa1a.jpg 1 5.22 5.2173913043478 5.22 2024-12-10 02:39:13 artearoa_card_pop_art_pohutukawa001 0 1 2 /products/aotearoa-artearoa-pohutukawa-pop-art-cards/ 41 0 /media/commerce_products/41/artearoa_canvas_pop_art_pohutukawa01.jpg 1 45.22 45.217391304348 45.22 2024-12-10 02:39:13 artearoa_canvas_pop_art_pohutukawa001 0 1 3 /products/aotearoa-pohutukawa-pop-art-photo-on-canvas/