This is how Christmas smells.
THE REAL-LIFE CHRISTMAS TREE
The Norfolk Pine is indigenous to Norfolk Island — a small island in the Pacific Ocean, between New Zealand and New Caledonia. Although the tree is endemic to Norfolk Island, it's widely grown along New Zealand's coastal areas. The flora and fauna of Norfolk Island has a lot in common with New Zealand's northern offshore islands, which makes it perfectly at home here.
Scientifically known as Araucaria heterophylla, the Norfolk Pine gets its name from where it was first found. It's also called the star pine, triangle tree, or the living Christmas tree thanks to its symmetrical shape as a sapling. Despite the name, it isn't actually a true pine.
WHERE TO SPOT IT IN THE BAY
Though indigenous to Norfolk Island, you can see Norfolk Pines growing along the coastlines of New Zealand's northern islands. They're easy to spot at Roberton Island and Urupukapuka — both part of the Bay of Islands. Our crew can take you to those islands during a cruise so you can stand under the living Christmas tree yourself.
A TREE WITH HISTORY
Pine trees have long been cultural symbols around the world. Native Americans considered them a symbol of wisdom and life. In Northern Europe, pines were decorated to celebrate the birth of Frey, the Norse god of the sun and fertility — during winter, the tops of the trees were lit to attract the sun back as the days shortened. That tradition eventually became the Christmas tree we know today, which makes 'the living Christmas tree' a fitting nickname for the Norfolk Pine.
Captain James Cook was the first European to sight Norfolk Island, on his second voyage to the South Pacific in 1774. He spotted an island full of tall, straight trees that looked perfect for ship masts and yards. The Norfolk Pine turned out not to be resilient enough for the job, and the industry was discontinued.
HOW TO RECOGNISE ONE
You can pick a Norfolk Pine from a long way off. It has a straight vertical trunk that doesn't bend even with strong offshore winds, and almost-horizontal branches that emit from the trunk in groups of five — giving the tree its distinctive symmetrical, tiered silhouette.
If you're up for an island walk along the Bay of Islands to see the local flora and fauna — Norfolk Pine included — our crew will happily make it part of the day.