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.

GIANT KAURI TREES
Name: Tane Mahuta, location: 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".

Name: Te Matua Ngahere, location: 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".

Name: The Four Sisters, location: From attended carpark on Sate Highway 12. 5 minutes walk.
Four tall kauris growing extremely close to each other.

Name: Yakas Kauri, location: 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.

FOREST AREAS AND WALKS
Name: Yakas Track, length/time: 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.

Name: Arai te Uru, length/time: 15 mn
From Hokianga South Head, the track leads to an old signal station used to guide ships in and out of the harbour.

Name: Rickers Track, length/time: 200 m/220 yds, 10 mn
This short track climbs through a stand of young kauris (rickers) to a viewpoint over the Waipoua River.

Name: Lookout Track, length/time: 2.5 km (1.55 miles), 1 hour
Good tramping track through regenerating manuka and podocarp-hardwood forest.

Name: Toatoa Track, length/time: 200 m/220 yds, 10 mn
Good, easy track

Name: Waiotemarama Walk, length/time: 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.

DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION 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), Donnelly's Crossing