Yakas Kauri Walk

Short walk

Time:  

40 min

Distance:  

1.7 km

Getting there

The Yakas Kauri is sign posted “Kauri Walks” from State Highway 12, which runs through the Waipoua Forest Conservation Estate. The car park is sign posted by a brown Transit NZ sign “Kauri Walks”. At times, the sign is obscured by vegetation so be alert upon approaching as you can easily miss it. Security is maintained in this car park due to the private enclosure.

From the car park, there is a track sign for the three walks available for recreational walking, the “Yakas Kauri”, “Te Matua Ngahere” and the “Four Sisters”.

Description

Introduction

Kauri trees

Yakas Kauri is the 7th largest kauri tree in New Zealand. Nicholas Yakas became witness to many marvels of the Waipoua Forest whilst he was a young man and hot in the pursuit of Kauri gum. It wasn’t until 1966 when Yakas was asked if he knew of other Kauri trees in the Waipoua Forest that were as big as or larger than Tane Mahuta and Te Matua Ngahere, when he decided to share some of his secrets. 

So accompanied by Tudor Collins of Warkworth, (one of New Zealand’s top photographers of native bush scenery of that era), Sir Alfred Reed a publisher and author and a bush-lover, and Mrs. Ellen Wech set out and rediscovered the kauri tree. It was in 1968 when the name “Yakas Kauri” was officially accepted by the general public when Tudor Collins had one of his coloured photos of the tree published in a full page display in the weekly news of July 29 1968 edition. It was simply captioned “Yakas” tree and has since stuck.

Measurements

Trunk Girth  12.29 m
Trunk Height  12.04 m
Total Height  43.09 m
Trunk Volume  134.2 m3

Track description

The track meanders through low shrub bringing you to a central point from which you can access the three tracks. From here, the “Yakas Kauri” track is well sign posted and located directly on the left of this open space. 

The walk leads you through kauri type vegetation for 30 minutes before you arrive at the Cathedral Grove (a large group of kauri). After the Cathedral Grove, it is then a 2-minute walk to the Yakas tree. 

From here, you return to the car park the way you came.

It is very important that you keep to the walking track at all times. The kauri tree has very sensitive surface roots, and foot traffic around the tree endangers their life span.

Activities

Plan and prepare

• Please note that there is no general store, fuel bowser or supermarket in Waipoua Forest.
• Nearest petrol station south is Kaihu, 28 km, and Waimamaku north, 20 km.
• Nearest toilets are located at the Tane Mahuta Carpark.
• 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 a short walk:

• Easy walking for up to an hour
• Track is well formed, with an even surface. There may be steps or slopes
• Suitable for people of most abilities and fitness
• Stream and rivers crossings are bridged
• Walking shoes required

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