Libocedrus bidwillii, pahautea, kaikawaka or NZ cedar is endemic to the North and South Islands. It is found in the North from Te Moehau, Te Aroha and Mt Pirongia south, and can be found at low levels on the West Coast of the South Island. It grows in montane to subalpine regions from 250-1200 m.a.s.l. but exclusively upper montane in northern part of range. It is usually found in mixed cloud forest, often at the margins where forest grades into subalpine scrub or wetlands. This species seems to prefer regions of moderate to high rainfall and long periods of cloud cover. It forms a tree of up to 20m high with a truck that can be 1m through. It is a dense rich green conical tree with spreading branches that likes deep rich damp soils. It has separate male and female cones that appear on the same tree.