Log sales
Premium Otago Timber
Supplying quality wood products to local & international markets
City Forests supplies premium quality timber products from our sustainably managed FSC® certified forests to local and international markets. Our strategic location, superior climate-grown timber, and commitment to sustainable practices make us a preferred supplier for quality-conscious customers worldwide.
The log sales and marketing programme demonstrates how sustainable forestry can deliver premium products while supporting local economic development, international trade, and environmental protection.
Our commitment to quality, sustainability, and customer service ensures long-term partnerships that benefit our customers, community, and environment.
Market Leadership & Distribution
Strategic Market Positioning
- Export markets: Approximately 70% of production serving international customers
- Local markets: 30% supporting regional Otago and Southland operations
- Port Chalmers advantage: Deep water port facility providing efficient international shipping
- Port Otago partnership: Collaborative relationship ensuring reliable logistics
Product Portfolio Excellence
- Prepared sawlogs: Premium quality logs for lumber production
- Pulpwood: Sustainable fibre for medium density fibreboard (MDF) manufacturing
- Specialised products: Custom specifications for specific applications
- Export logistics: Professional packaging and shipping services
- Bioenergy products supplied from harvest residues
Superior Otago Timber Quality
Climate-driven quality advantages
Otago and Southland's unique climate produces timber characteristics superior to warmer growing regions:
Visual quality excellence
- Creamy white appearance: Even coloration without dark winter ring striping
- Consistent texture: Uniform density throughout timber structure
- Superior grain patterns: Attractive appearance ideal for high-end applications
- Minimal growth ring variation: Clean, professional appearance
Processing & Performance Benefits
- Longer internode lengths: More clear wood, less waste in processing
- Reduced internal collapse: Better drying characteristics and yield
- Fewer internal defects: Higher appearance grade recovery rates
- Better finishing properties: Superior paint and stain acceptance
- Enhanced stability: Consistent performance in service applications
Structural Performance
- Excellent strength-to-weight ratio: Optimal performance for construction applications
- Easy treatment penetration: Superior preservative uptake for durability
- Reliable drying characteristics: Predictable processing outcomes
- Versatile applications: Suitable for appearance, structural, and packaging uses
Local Market Support & Partnership
Regional Sawmill Supply
City Forests actively supports local economic development through:
- Multiple sawmill partnerships throughout lower South Island
- Reliable supply contracts ensuring consistent raw material availability
- Quality consistency enabling premium product manufacturing
- Flexible scheduling accommodating customer operational requirements
Value-Added Processing Support
Our commitment to local industry includes:
- Technical consultation on timber quality and processing optimisation
- Species selection guidance matching timber characteristics to end-use requirements
- Sustainable supply planning enabling long-term customer investment
- Innovation partnership supporting new product development
International Export Excellence
Global Market Reach
- Asian markets: Established relationships with quality-focused manufacturers through City Forests export marketing and logistics partner TPT Forests.
- Quality reputation: Otago timber recognized internationally for consistency
- FSC® certification advantage: Meeting international sustainability requirements
Export Logistics Excellence
- Port Chalmers facilities: Professional log handling and storage
- Container optimisation: Efficient packing and shipping arrangements
- Documentation expertise: Complete export compliance and certification
- Quality assurance: Consistent grading and specification maintenance
Species Specialisation
Radiata Pine Excellence - 84% of Plantation area
• Premium appearance for applications such as furniture manufacturing, cut stock blanks, face veneer
• Structural applications for framing timber, construction lumber
• Packaging solutions including export packaging and industrial applications
• Paper and fibre products from pulp production to fibreboard manufacturing
Douglas Fir specialty products
• Structural timber excellence provides superior strength and stability properties
• Construction applications for framing and structural timber for residential and commercial use
• "Oregon" grade timber is traditional high-quality structural lumber
• Otago Douglas Fir is recognised globally for quality
Specialised species portfolio
• Macrocarpa is a durable timber for specialty applications
• Other species such as spruce, larch, eucalyptus for niche markets
• Tailored products for specific customer requirements
