Te Matua Ngahere Walk
Track category
Short walk
Time:
20 min one way
Distance:
730 m
Description
Visitor standing at the base of the kauri
'Te Matua Ngahere'
A 20-minute walk leads you to 'Te Matua Ngahere' (Father of the Forest) – the second largest living kauri tree in New Zealand.
The walk is well-surfaced with metal or boardwalk. It is suitable for push prams and wheelchairs, although wheelchair users may need assistance in some areas.
You get an opportunity to experience many aspects of this dynamic forest system. The forest type varies from almost pure kauri stands to mixed podocarp/hardwood, with kauri grass, kiekie, neinei and ferns in the understorey.
You can admire the tree on a viewing platform without damaging its sensitive root systems.
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 trees endangers their life span.
View a track location map
About Te Matua Ngahere
'Te Matua Ngahere' (Father of the Forest) is the second largest living kauri tree in New Zealand. He is also noted as being the oldest out of the two largest living kauri trees and is estimated to exceed 2000 years. He was discovered by Nicholas Yakas in 1928 when he and other men were working to build the road that is now known as State Highway 12.
Measurements
Trunk girth: 16.41 m
Trunk height: 10.21 m
Total height: 29.9 m
Trunk volume: 208.1 m³
Getting there
The Te Matua Ngahere Walk is sign posted 'Kauri Walks' from State Highway 12, which runs through the Waipoua Forest.
Security is maintained in this car park by a $2.00 donation during the day to the car park ambassador.
From the car park, you will see a sign for the three walks 'Te Matua Ngahere', 'Four Sisters', and 'Yakas Kauri'.
A track meanders through native bush and brings you to a central point from which you can access the three walks. From here Te Matua Ngahere Walk is very well sign posted and located directly in the middle of this open space.
Plan and prepare
Help stop kauri dieback
Kauri dieback disease is killing our native kauri. It spreads by soil movement, but you can help prevent it.
- Stay on the track and off kauri roots.
- Clean your gear before and after visiting kauri forests.
Visit the kauri dieback website for more information on how you can help.
Safety
- In strong winds, please beware of falling branches.
Notes
- 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.
- No domestic pets are allowed on this track.
- Hunting by permit only. You can get a permit free of charge from the Kauri Coast Office.
Track location map
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