Follow the well-maintained boardwalk to New Zealand’s biggest and oldest kauri trees, in Waipoua Forest, and trek through the rainforest to see even more of these giants of the forest. It’s a humbling experience.
Waipoua Forest is often overlooked by visitors of New Zealand’s Northland because it’s a little out of the way. However, it’s the country’s most impressive kauri rainforest and is well worth the detour.
A compelling reason to drive out to the Waipoua Forest is Tāne Mahuta, the biggest kauri tree in New Zealand. The tree’s name translates to the “Lord of the Forest.” The kauri towers a whopping 169 feet (51.5 meters) above the forest floor. Its girth is a generous 45 feet (14 meters), further adding to its dramatic appearance. Just take a moment to ponder the fact that this tree may very well be over 2,000 years old. It was here long before the first Māori seafarers landed in Aotearoa (the Land of the Long White Cloud).
Not far from here stands Te Matua Ngahere, the “Father of the Forest,” a 20-minute walk through the forest from a nearby car park. This 98-feet (30-meter) tall tree has a girth of 54 feet (16.5 meters), even wider than Tāne Mahuta. It’s believed to be the oldest rainforest tree in New Zealand.
The kauri (Agathis australis) is a coniferous species. Kauris are revered by the Māori, who have witnessed the trees heartbreaking decline since the Europeans arrived with their timber mills. Take a tour with a Māori guide at night for a more spiritual way to experience the mighty kauri rainforest.
As the Māori say: “Toitū te whenua,” leave the land undisturbed. Stay on the boardwalks to prevent the spread of infectious kauri tree dieback and to protect the kauris’ fragile roots, which lie just below the surface. Don’t touch the trees and use the boot cleaning stations at the entrances to the forest tracks.
Waipoua Forest is located north of Dargaville, just an hour away by car. The nearest town is Wekaweka, which is some 16 miles (25 kilometers) away. If coming from the north, get here via Omapere in Hokianga Harbour. Entry to the forest is free of charge and there is free parking.
