Hokianga
Listen to the call of native birds, as the wind rustles through giant kauri trees. Tāne is watching over you.
Of all New Zealand’s kauri forests, none is more famous than Waipoua Forest in the Hokianga. Celebrated as a ‘life changing eco experience’ by Lonely Planet, this is the home of Tāne Mahuta, the country's largest kauri tree. Nearly 2,000 years old, 51 metres high and 13 metres in wide, Tāne Mahuta is rightly called 'The Lord of the Forest'.
In Māori mythology, Tāne is the son of Ranginui (sky father) and Papatūānuku (earth mother). He was the child who separated his parents from their close embrace, creating space between them. After doing so, Tāne adorned his mother with the forest, covering her in the natural beauty we see today. The creatures of the forest are considered his children, making him a central figure in the world's natural balance.
For a truly unique experience, explore the kauri forest on a twilight tour with Footprints Waipoua. Your local Māori guide will take you on a journey to visit Tāne Mahuta and Te Matua Ngahere. He'll teach you about the native flora and fauna, tell you spellbinding Māori legends of the forest, and sing enchanting Māori songs that convey the people's spiritual connection to nature.
Open from 9am to 4pm daily, the Tāne Mahuta Walk is 65 km north of Dargaville and 110 km west of Whangārei. Look for the signposts from State Highway 12. On arrival you’ll find plenty of visitor parking as well as a picnic area and toilets on the opposite side of the road from the track entrance.
Tāne Mahuta is part of New Zealand’s heritage. But, kauri dieback is threatening his extinction. Please respect kauri protection guidelines when visiting the forest. Find out more about kauri dieback(opens in new window).
