The huge tōtara can be reached after a few minutes walk into the bush. This massive tree may be 2,000 years old and measures 8.5 m around its trunk. The bush also features tōtara, mataī and fuschia/kōtukutuku.

You can carry on to Montgomery Peak Walk.

Drive to Hilltop on the Akaroa Highway then turn along the Summit Road for 200 m to a small area at the side of the road where you can park.

Take care near stinging nettle

Urtica ferox (ongaonga) is an endemic stinging nettle and common in this area. Take care not to touch these plants as they have a very strong sting. Ongaonga are an important host plant of Vanessa gonerilla (kahukura), the endemic red admiral butterfly.