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Visit the Native Forests of the Coromandel

Fine stands of native forest, mainly kauri but not only, can be visited in the Peninsula.

Document created 08 June 2003, last updated 30 July 2003

Kauri Forest in the Coromandel   Kauri forest, Coromandel Peninsula. Photo B. Ahern, courtesy of Department of Conservation.
The Coromandel Peninsula was covered in kauri forest when the Europeans arrived in New Zealand, and many huge trees grew there. One of the largest kauri for which there is reasonably reliable record was the Father of the Forests in Mercury Bay. Reported values for its girth are between 21.95 m (72') and 23.77 m (78'), and for the height to the first branch either 21.34 m (70') or 24.38 m (80'). It was destroyed by fire, the fate of many fine trees in New Zealand, as often intentionally lit as not. Most of these kauri forests of the Coromandel were logged and burnt, but fortunately some intact tracts remain, with fine specimens of large trees. Ever since the time they were logged the forests have been regenerating, and young kauri rickers are now widespread over thousands of hectares.
GIANT KAURI TREES
Name: Tanenui, location: Manaia Forest Sanctuary
The 6th largest in New Zealand, girth 10.08 m (33'), trunk height 18.29 m (60'), total height 47.2 m (155').

Name: Devcich Kauri, location: Kopu-Hikuai Road
One of the most easily reached of the large kauris of the Coromandel. Girth 10.54 m (34.5'), trunk height 12.55 m (41'), total height 46.5 m (152.5')

Name: Square Kauri, location: Tapu-Coroglen Road
The most visited of the large kauris of the Coromandel. Girth 8.7 m (28.5'), height 41.1 m (135').

Name: Te Wainora, location: Kauaeranga Valley
A superb tree, fairly easy to reach (2-3 hrs return). Girth 9.80 m (32'), clean bole 11m (36'), merchandisable bole 22 m (72.2').

FOREST AREAS AND WALKS
Name: Waiomu Ecological Area, location: Track from Waiomu, north of Thames.
Fine mature kauri stand and regenerating forest. Good track (2 hrs return).

Name: Tairua Twin Kauri Reserve, location: Tairua
A 30mn walk.

Name: Manaia Forest Sanctuary, location: Inland from Manaia Harbour, just south of Coromandel Harbour.
A permit is required to visit the sanctuary. Enquire at Department of Conservation's Visitor Centre. 2 1/2 hour tramp one way.

Name: Waiau Kauri Grove, location: Close to the summit of the 309 Road
A 10 mn, superb walk on good track, through one of the few unlogged tracts of kauri forest in the Coromandel.

DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION VISITOR CENTRES
- Hauraki Area Office, 438 Pollen St PO Box 343 Thames, Phone: ++ 64 7 867 9180.

- Coromandel Field Centre, C/- Thames Coromandel District Council Kapanga Rd, PO Box 19 Coromandel, Phone: ++ 64 7 866 1 100.

- Tairua Field Centre, Red Ridge Rd PO Box 34 Tairua, Phone: ++ 64 7 864 8763.

- Department of Conservation - Kauaeranga Visitor Centre, Kauaeranga Valley, PO Box 78, Thames. Phone ++ 64 7 867 9080.

- Downtown Auckland, Quay Street, Ferry Building, Phone ++ 64 9 379 6476

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Kauri Forest in the Coromandel Kauri forest, Coromandel Peninsula. Photo B. Ahern, courtesy of Department of Conservation.

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