Tane Mahuta Track
Easy access short walk
Time:
5 min one way
Distance:
200 m
Getting there
The Tane Mahuta Track is sign posted from State Highway 12, which runs through the Waipoua Forest. The southern township of Dargaville is 65 km away and the northern township of Omapere is 18km.
The road widens at the Tane Mahuta car park to accommodate visitor vehicles. There is a picnic area, and toilets located 5 metres back from the car park on the opposite side of the road from the track entrance.
Description
Kauri "Tane Mahuta", Waipoua Kauri
Forest
Introduction
Tane Mahuta (Lord of the Forest) is New Zealand’s largest known living kauri tree. It is thought this tree was discovered and identified in the 1920’s when contracted surveyors surveyed the present State Highway 12 through the forest. In 1928 Nicholas Yakas and other Bushmen, which were building the road, also identified the big tree Tane Mahuta.
According to Maori mythology Tane is the son of Ranginui the sky father and Papatuanuku the earth mother. Tane was the child that tore his parent’s parental embrace and once done set about clothing his mother in the forest we have here today. All living creatures of the forest are regarded as Tane’s children.
Measurements
Trunk Girth 13.77 m
Trunk Height 17.68 m
Total Height 51.2 m
Trunk Volume 244.5 m3
Track description
This short track leads you under cooling shade of the forest canopy to the majestic Tane Mahuta. Not far into your leisurely amble, a sweeping corner of the track suddenly brings you face to face with the ‘Lord of the Forest’. When you catch your first breath-taking view of this magnificent tree, you feel compelled to pause for a while. You can almost feel Tane Mahuta’s strength and ancient presence, and its overwhelming size makes visitors look like dwarfs.
Kauri "Tane Mahuta", Waipoua Kauri
Forest
There is a wooden fence and a seat to view the tree. To get a broader view of Tane Mahuta, you can move further along the track, which then leads to another viewing platform.
It is very important that you keep to the walking track at all times. Kauri trees have very sensitive surface roots, and foot traffic around the tree endangers their life span.
Activities
Flora and fauna
Plan and prepare
- Please note that there is no general store, petrol station or supermarket in Waipoua Forest.
- The nearest petrol station is 28 km south at Kaihu and 20 km north at Waimamaku
- In strong winds, please beware of falling branches.
- Please ensure your footwear is clean before entering the bush, and is cleaned before visiting another site. This is to help prevent the spread of the kauri dieback disease Phytophthora taxon Agathis (PTA)
- Permits are required for dogs and hunting on conservation land, these can be acquired free of charge from the Kauri Coast Office.
What to expect on an easy access short walk:
- Easy walking for up to an hour
- Track is well formed, with an even surface. Few or no steps or slopes
- Suitable for people of all abilities and fitness
- Stream and river crossings are bridged
- Walking shoes required
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