Four Sisters Walk
Short walk
Time:
10 min one way
Distance:
350 m
Getting there
The Four Sisters Walk is signposted “Kauri Walks” from State Highway 12, which runs through the Waipoua Forest Conservation Estate. The car park is sign posted by a brown Transit NZ sign “Kauri Walks”. At times, the sign is obscured by vegetation so be alert upon approaching as you can easily miss it. Security is maintained in this car park due to the private enclosure.
From the car park, there is a track sign for the three walks available for recreational walking, the “Four Sisters”, “Te Matua Ngahere” and the “Yakas Kauri”.
The track meanders through the low shrub bringing you to a central point from which you can access the three tracks. From here, the “Four Sisters” track is well signposted and located on the right hand side of this open space.
About the area
Waipoua, and the adjoining forests of Mataraua and Waima, make up the largest remaining tract of native forest in Northland.
This includes links to other tracks in the area.
Description
The Four Sisters kauri trees
Introduction
Kauri trees occasionally create unusual growth forms. At times the trunks of two, three, four, five and even six trees can grow joined together at the base of the trees. In the Waipoua Forest Conservation Estate is a group of trees known as the Four Sisters. You will see four Kauri trees, with evenly spaced slender trunks, arising from a large mound of pukahukahu. A similar growth can be seen in Trounson Kauri Park to the south.
Track description
The walk is a short, one-way loop that takes you through kauri and rimu vegetation to see the “Four Sisters”, an impressive stand of four tall and graceful kauri trees growing extremely close together. A viewing platform encircles the trees and protects the habitat from any disturbance.
It is very important that you keep to the walking track at all times. The kauri tree has very sensitive surface roots, and foot traffic around the tree endangers their life span.
Activities
Flora and fauna
Places to stay
The Waipoua campground and Waipoua Visitor Centre are now managed by Te Iwi O Te Roroa. For further information and bookings please call +64 9 439 6445.
Plan and prepare
- Please note that there is no general store, fuel bowser or supermarket in Waipoua Forest.
- Nearest petrol station south is Kaihu, 28 km, and Waimamaku north, 20 km.
- Nearest toilets are located at the Tane Mahuta Carpark.
- In strong winds, please beware of falling branches.
- Times shown are for a one way journey only, unless otherwise shown. If the return journey is more than 1 hour, food, drink, warm clothes and wet weather gear should be carried.
- On extended bush walks a compass and topographical map are recommended. Topographical maps can be obtained from Land Information New Zealand www.linz.govt.nz and DOC Visitor Centres.
- Access to some tracks is by courtesy of the owners, please respect the owner’s property and privacy.
- Streams can be uncrossable after heavy rain and should not be attempted.
- Some tracks require timings for tidal changes and weather conditions are changeable always keep to the side of caution. A good website to check in preparation is Metservice weather www.metservice.co.nz
- Dogs are not allowed on conservation estates.
What to expect on a short walk:
- Easy walking for up to an hour
- Track is well formed, with an even surface. There may be steps or slopes
- Suitable for people of most abilities and fitness
- Stream and rivers crossings are bridged
- Walking shoes required
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