Waipoua Forest is a kauri forest, on the west coast of the Northland Region of the North Island.

Of all New Zealand’s kauri forests, none is more famous than this one, just north of Dargaville. The largest remaining tract of native forest in Northland, Waipoua is an ancient green world of towering trees and rare birds.

The highway through the forest is memorable for the natural gateways created by huge kauri trees and the fringing of colourful ferns along the road’s edge.

A five minute walk from the roadside will bring you to the foot of Tāne Mahuta, probably the largest tree you’ll ever lay eyes upon.

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.