Toatoa Track
Track category
Short walk
Time:
10 min one way
Distance:
200 m
Description
Introduction
Ferns growing on a log
This track is named after a tree species that is found growing in abundance. The tree species is toatoa (Phyllocladus gaucus toatoa). Toatoa is found in forest from sea level to 600 metres in this part of New Zealand. The tree resembles large stiff leathery celery leaves, greyish green with fan-shaped veins. Toatoa do not have true leaves; they have flattened branchlets called phylloclades instead (from Greek phyllo = leaf; klados = a shoot).
Track description
The walk is a self-guided identification trail using plant identification labels. It follows a well-graded metalled track, which does a small loop at its end before returning to the start. You will find a beautiful stand of Phyllocladus glaucus (toatoa) at the end of the walk, which gives rise to its name.
The vegetation is a regenerated mixture of podocarp and hardwood.
Getting there
The Toatoa track is located at the southern end of the Waipoua Forest off Lookout Road, which turns off State Highway 12.
There is minimal area for parking at the track start. Trampers can either use the Lookout Tower car park or the Waipoua Visitor Centre car park at the bottom end of the Lookout track as alternatives.
Plan and prepare
- Please note that there is no general store, petrol station or supermarket in Waipoua Forest.
- Nearest petrol station is 28 km south at Kaihu, , and 20 km north at Waimamaku.
- Nearest toilets are located at the Waipoua Forest Visitor Centre.
- 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.
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