Native vegetation of Farewell Spit includes rare pioneers such as the Sand Sedge (Eleocharis neozelandica) and more common species like New Zealand Flax (Harakeke) (Phormium tenax), Coprosma species and Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium). However, the exotic Marram Grass (Ammophila arenaria), once planted to stabilise the dunes, is taking over and interrupting further plant associations.