It also occurs on Chatham Island and Pitt Island/Rangiauria to the south-east of New Zealand, where it is the world's southernmost palm at 44° 18'S latitude.

[3] Nīkau grow up to 15 m tall, with a stout, green trunk which bears grey-green leaf scars.

They grow readily from seed if the fruit is soaked in water for a few days and then gently scrubbed to remove the flesh.

The seed will then germinate readily if placed in sealed plastic bags in partial shade, after which they can be planted in deep pots.

The pots should be tall and narrow to provide room for the taproot and to lessen the likelihood of root damage when transplanting.

It is best done in summer, but a substantial root ball should be preserved, and shade should be provided at the new location – at the very least by tying the outer fronds closer to the centre.

Nīkau thrive on cool temperatures, but are not commonly subject to freezing weather in their natural habitat.

The nīkau palm of the New Zealand mainland is very similar to Rhopalostylis baueri of the Kermadecs and Norfolk Island, which can be distinguished by its more rounded or oval fruits, and by its leaflets which are broader than those found in most populations of R. sapida.