Standing among the kauri
It is home to several threatened species, such as North Island brown kiwi, kukupa (New Zealand pigeon), pekapeka (bats) and kauri snails.
It also incorporates a magnificent dense stand of kauri that has long been recognised as one of the best examples in the country.
It has the highest-density of North Island brown kiwi populations in Northland, under threat from a northward-advancing ferret population.
Threats
Introduced pests and predators have had a devastating impact on Northland's unique habitat types. Many native and endemic species are now extinct, some have been shifted to predator-free islands for a chance of survival, while others are still trying to hold on in their modified environment.
These introduced pests pose a particular threat to the recovery and restoration of Trounson Kauri Park's ecosystem: possums, rodents, mustelids (ferrets, stoats and weasels), cats and dogs.
DOC's work
Hanging tree orchid
The Department has managed Trounson Kauri Park as a 'mainland island 'since 1995. This is essentially an intensive ecosystem restoration project with a focus on learning. The goal is to restore the kauri forest ecosystem, including the reintroduction of regionally extinct or threatened fauna/flora. Animal pest control is used for possums, ferrets, cats and rats.
This work also seeks to provide opportunity for the public to enjoy a glimpse of Northland kauri forest like it once was.
A key element in DOC's success to date has been the intensive work undertaken to control predators and browsers such as possums, rodents, mustelids and feral cats. The results of the work have been very positive and often quite dramatic as shown by ecosystem monitoring.
Visit the park
You can visit Trounson Kauri Park.
Kauri bark
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.
Volunteers
Trounson benefits from volunteer workers from overseas and New Zealand. See Kauri Coast area volunteers.