Trounson Kauri Park Walk

Track category

Easy access short walk

Time:

40 min return

Distance:

1.6 km

Description

Kaihu River, Trounson Kauri Park, Northland. Photo: Tony Lilleby.
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.

Kūkupa (NZ pigeon) are abundant and you are likely to hear and see them. 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 Top Ten Holiday Park (+64 9 439 0621) and gives visitors the opportunity to experience the forest after dark.

Easy access track, Trounson Kauri Park.
Easy access track, Trounson Kauri Park

Kauri roots are extremely sensitive to trampling. Along the track, steps have been taken to protect the delicate root structure of the kauri and prevent the spread of kauri dieback disease Phytophthora taxon Agathis (PTA). Please stay on the track at all times to ensure no damage is done to these magnificent trees.

Getting there

Trounson Kauri Park is 38 km north of the township of Dargaville.

The park is accessible via Trounson Park Road from the south off State Highway 12 or from the north via Katui Road, which links to Trounson Park Road at Donnellys Crossing.

There are two entry points to Trounson Kauri Park; the Trounson Kauri Park day car park and the Trounson Kauri Park campground.

Activities

Bird and wildlife watching Bird and wildlife watching

Bird and wildlife watching

Kūkupa (NZ pigeon) are abundant and you are likely to hear and see them. North Island brown kiwi, fantails, pied tits and other forest birds are also resident.

Plan and prepare

  • Please note that there is no general store, petrol station or supermarket at Trounson Kauri Park.
  • Nearest petrol station is 9 km south at Kaihu, , and 37 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)
  • Dogs and hunting are not allowed in Trounson Kauri Park.

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Weather

NZ weather

Maps

New Zealand topographic maps are available from DOC Visitor Centres

Learn more

Trounson Kauri Park

Find out more about kauri

Stop the spread of didymo
Check, Clean, Dry
all items before entering, and when moving between, waterways.

Safety

Follow the Outdoor Safety Code:
1. Plan your trip
2. Tell someone
3. Be aware of the weather
4. Know your limits
5. Take sufficient supplies

Alerts for Northland tracks

Tips for driving on unsealed roads

Contacts

Kauri Coast Area Office
Phone: +64 9 439 3450
Email: kauricoastareaoffice@doc.govt.nz
Full office details

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Conservation for prosperity. Tiakina te taiao, kia puawai