Trounson Kauri Park Walk

Easy access walk

Time:  

40 min loop track

Distance:  

1.6 km

Getting there

There are two entry points to Trounson Kauri Park.  The northern section Trounson Kauri Park is signposted off SH 12, 17 km south of the Waipoua Forest Visitor Centre. 

The southern section Trounson Kauri Park is 38 km north of the township of Dargaville.  The track is accessible from either the Trounson Kauri Park car park or the Trounson Kauri Park campground.

Description

Kaihu River, Trounson Kauri Park

An easy 40-minute loop walk leads you through a spectacular stand of kauri. The track offers visitors an opportunity to experience the unique character of this ancient forest. You can learn more about the kauri forest at an interpretation tent, and trees / plants are named along the walk.  

Stately kauri, taraire, kauri grass, kiekie, neinei and ferns dominate the vegetation. Fallen kauri and the resulting light wells, clear streams and filmy ferns are among the interesting features of Trounson.

Kukupa (NZ pigeon) are abundant and you are likely to hear and see them about. North Island brown kiwi, fantails, pied tits and other forest birds are also resident with re-introduction of other birds planned for the future.

A guided night-walk is available through the Kauri Coast Holiday Park and gives visitors and opportunity to experience the forest after dark.

Kauri roots are extremely sensitive to trampling.

Along the track, steps have been taken to protect the delicate root structure of the kauri. Please stay on the track at all times to ensure no damage is done to these magnificent trees. 

Easy access track, Trounson Kauri Park

Activities

Plan and prepare

• Please note that there is no general store, fuel bowser or supermarket at Trounson Kauri Park.
• Nearest petrol station south is Kaihu, 9 km, and Waimamaku north, 37 km.
• Nearest toilets are located at the Trounson Kauri Park.
• 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 an easy access 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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