New Zealand Forest Area
Forest area as % of land area AG.LND.FRST.ZS
New Zealand's forest area was 37.95% in 2025, ranked 80th globally. This represents a 0.4% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
New Zealand's forest area stood at 37.95% in 2025, a rise of +0.16% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 37.95% by 2025. New Zealand ranked 80th globally.
New Zealand’s forest area has risen steadily over the 35‑year span from 1990 to 2025, expanding from 35.59 km² in the earliest year to an all‑time peak of 37.95 km² in 2025, which also places the country at rank 80 globally. The upward trajectory reflects modest afforestation and sustained forest management policies, contrasting with the modest declines observed in some temperate economies. Among its closest peers, Thailand records a slightly higher forest cover of 38.55 km², while Paraguay stands at 37.22 km², underscoring that New Zealand’s growth is comparable to other nations with mixed temperate‑tropical landscapes. The consistent increase suggests that current land‑use regulations and incentives for native tree planting remain effective, yet the modest scale of change indicates limited room for rapid expansion without further policy shifts. Continued investment in reforestation and protection of existing woodlands will be crucial if New Zealand aims to accelerate the upward trend and improve its relative global standing.
Data & projection
| Year | Forest Area | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 38.03% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 37.95% | - | - |
| 2025 | 37.95% | +0.16% | #80 |
| 2023 | 37.79% | +0.07% | #80 |
| 2022 | 37.72% | +0.09% | #81 |
| 2021 | 37.63% | +0.06% | #81 |
| 2020 | 37.57% | +0.10% | #81 |
| 2019 | 37.47% | +0.04% | #81 |
| 2018 | 37.43% | +0.02% | #81 |
| 2017 | 37.41% | +0.02% | #81 |
| 2016 | 37.40% | +0.00% | #81 |
| 2015 | 37.40% | −0.00% | #81 |
| 2014 | 37.40% | −0.00% | #81 |
| 2013 | 37.40% | −0.00% | #81 |
| 2012 | 37.40% | −0.00% | #81 |
| 2011 | 37.40% | −0.00% | #82 |
| 2010 | 37.40% | −0.00% | #82 |
Analysis
New Zealand's forest area was 37.95% in 2025, a rise of +0.16% from 2024. Based on trends, estimated 37.95% by 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
New Zealand's forest area was 37.95% in 2025. Ranked 80th globally. This represents a 0.4% increase from the previous year.
New Zealand's forest area peaked at 37.95% in 2025.
The lowest forest area in New Zealand was 35.59% in 1990.
New Zealand ranks 80th globally in forest area as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is AG.LND.FRST.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
New Zealand's forest area is projected to reach 37.95% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The forest area of New Zealand in 2025 was 37.95%. This ranks 80th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_new-zealand_forest-area,
title = {New Zealand Forest Area},
url = {https://historysaid.com/new-zealand/forest-area/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}