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SAFETY
ISSUES:
Please before attempting any activity report to the park's visitor
centre for further information about weather conditions, times,
experience and equipment required.
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Waipoua Forest is one of the best examples of kauri forest in
New Zealand. It is famous for having the two largest living
kauris (Tane Mahuta and Te Matua Ngahere), which are easily
accessible. Associated with the neighbouring Waima and Mataraua
Forests it is also the largest remaining tract of native forest
in Northland. The Waipoua Sanctuary was created in 1952 to protect
9105 hectares (22,762 acres) of unlogged forest, after one of
New Zealand's earliest conservation controversies. Learn more
about the Kauri
Forests.
The forest has the largest population
of North Island brown kiwi in Northland, and a small population
of kokako in the high plateau country.
The drive on State Highway 12 provides
a good introduction to the beauty of the forest. It winds through
magnificient stands of tall kauri, rimu and northern rata, and
offers extensive views in a few places. Good walking tracks
give easy access to the most spectacular attractions of the
forest: the giant trees Tane Mahuta, Te Matua Ngahere and Yakas.
A few tramping tracks and routes are also available for those
who wish to venture deeper into the forest, especially in the
high plateau and ranges.
Related information:
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| NAME |
LOCATION |
DETAILS
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| Tane Mahuta
|
5 mn walk from State Highway
12 |
The largest living kauri in New
Zealand. Girth 13.77 m (45 '), trunk height 17.68 m (58'),
total height 51.5 m (169'). Tane Mahuta is maori for "Lord
of the forest". More info and images. |
| Te Matua Ngahere |
From attended carpark on Sate
Highway 12.
20 minutes walk. |
The second overall largest living
kauri, largest in girth (16.41 m/53.8 '). Trunk height 10.21
m (33.5'), total height 29.9 m (98'). Te Matua Ngahere is
Maori for "Father of the forest". |
| The Four Sisters |
From attended carpark on Sate
Highway 12.
5 minutes walk. |
Four tall kauris growing extremely
close to each other. |
| Yakas Kauri |
From attended carpark on Sate
Highway 12.
30 minutes walk one way. |
One of the largest living kauris
(7th), and the largest in the Cathedral Grove. |
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| NAME |
LENGTH/TIME |
DETAILS |
| Times given one way
unless stated otherwise. |
| Yakas Track
|
6 km/3.7 miles, 3 hours. From carpark to Yakas Kauri
and back: approximately 1 hour.
|
Joins the Te Matua Ngahere carpark,
past Yakas kauri, to the Waipoua Forest Visitor Centre.
This offers a longer walk through superb kauri forest. The
walk from the carpark to Yakas Kauri and back is among the
very best in Waipoua Forest. The river crossing is impassable
during or after rain. |
| Rickers Track |
200 m/220 yds, 10 mn |
This short track climbs through
a stand of young kauris (rickers) to a viewpoint over the
Waipoua River. |
| Lookout Track |
2.5 km (1.55 miles), 1 hour |
Good tramping track through regenerating
manuka and podocarp-hardwood forest. |
| Toatoa Track |
200 m/220 yds, 10 mn |
Good, easy track |
| Arai te Uru |
15 mn |
From Hokianga South Head, the
track leads to an old signal station used to guide ships
in and out of the harbour. |
| Waiotemarama Walk |
2 km (1.25 miles), 3 hours return |
The track climbs up the western
edge of Waima Forest, through very attractive kauri and
broadeaf forest. Nice stream, gorge and waterfalls. |
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| NAME |
LENGTH/DURATION |
DETAILS |
| Waoku Coach Road Walkway |
20 km (12.4 miles), 8-9 hours |
This is the historic coach road
built at the beginning of the 20th century to join Dargaville
to the Hokianga Harbour. The going is not difficult, but
on the high plateau the weather can change abruptly. Parties
should be well equipped. |
| Waima Main Range Route |
20 km (12.4 miles), 12-14 hours |
High level bush route with repetitive
altitude gains and losses. Few water sites. Suitable for
experienced trampers only, with camping equipment. |
| Waipoua Coastal Walkway |
50 km (31 miles), 15 hours |
The walkway follows the coast
from the entrance of the Hokianga Harbour to the Kai Iwi
Lakes, south of Waipoua Forest. It is accessible at several
other locations: contact Waipoua Forest Visitor Centre for
further information. |
VISITOR CENTRES
- Department of Conservation - Waipoua Forest Visitor Centre,
Private Bag, Dargaville.
Phone ++ 64 9 439 0605
- Dargaville Information Centre, 65 Normanby St, Dargaville.
Phone ++ 64 9 439 8360
- Hokianga Visitor Centre, State Highway 12, PO Box 6, Omapere.
Phone ++ 64 9 405 8869
ACCOMMODATION
- Motels at Dargaville, Omapere, Opononi
- Cabins and camping sites at Dargaville, Omapere, Opononi,
Waipoua Forest (DOC)
GOING THERE
- By road State Highway 12
- No direct public transport
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