Giants of the Forest: Spellbinding kauri experiences
Tāne Mahuta is likely the most well-known and most-visited of the giant kauri trees in Aotearoa New Zealand – and for good reason, he is the largest known living kauri tree! During October and November 2024, access to Tāne Mahuta will be closed for important infrastructure upgrades, but there are plenty of other kauri experiences to try in Taitokerau Northland. Here are some must-visit treasures:
Trounson Kauri Park
Nestled on the scenic Kauri Coast, Trounson Kauri Park is a breathtaking forest of mature kauri trees. A 40-minute loop track winds through this stand of majestic trees and an interpretation tent provides plenty of information about the park. Guests of the nearby Kauri Coast Top 10 Holiday Park can enjoy a self-guided kiwi night walk through the forest too.
The Kauri Museum
The Kauri Museum is a giant attraction dedicated to giants of the forests! A new forest walkway will give you an appreciation for the history of these culturally and spiritually important trees and inside you’ll find an extraordinary collection of everything related to kauri – kauri gum, kauri slabs, kauri milling equipment, full-size buildings made of kauri, kauri industry stories and more.
Te Matua Ngahere
The Father of the Forest is considered to be the second-largest and potentially the oldest living kauri tree, also located in the Waipoua Forest. While Tāne Mahuta is closed to visitors, Footprints Waipoua will be taking their iconic Twilight Tour to visit Te Matua Ngahere, where a local guide will share the legends of the forest, the stories of the deep connection to these trees and waiata (songs) which will have you enchanted.
Puketi Forest
Puketi Forest is a totally underrated kauri forest near to the Bay of Islands. Just a short stroll along the Manginangina Kauri Walk will have you on a circular viewing platform, face to face with giant kauri and immersed in what is considered to be one of the most diverse forests in Aotearoa New Zealand.
A H Reed Memorial Park
Just out of the Whangārei City Centre, A. H. Reed Memorial Park is one of the most accessible kauri forests in Taitokerau Northland. A canopy boardwalk winds through the forest of maturing kauri trees, some of which are considered to be at least 500 years old. A tour with Tu Tika Tours visits the forest and really brings the importance of these kauri trees to life.
Kā Uri
Located in the Far North, Kā Uri showcases exquisite woodwork handcrafted from ancient kauri. The centre is owned and run by local iwi Ngāti Kuri and along with the incredible gifts and artwork, there is an onsite café as well as a famed kauri staircase. You’ll find all your senses engaged at this unique location where kauri and culture are blended together.