Waipoua Forest is a kauri forest, on the west coast of Northland. Of all New Zealand’s kauri forests, none is more famous. The highway through the forest is memorable for natural gateways of huge kauri trees and a road’s edge fringing of colourful ferns.

The largest remaining tract of native forest in Northland, Waipoua is an ancient green world of towering trees and rare birds. A five minute walk from the roadside will bring you to the foot of Tāne Mahuta, probably the largest tree you’ll ever see.

Tāne Mahuta is the country’s largest kauri tree. It is approximately 2,000 years old and still growing. Nearly 18 metres to the first branch and 4.4 metres in diameter, Tāne Mahuta is rightly called ‘The Lord of the Forest’.

Another significant tree in Waipoua Forest is Te Matua Ngahere — ‘Father of the Forest’. It is estimated to be between 2,500 and 3,000 years old.