Waipoua Forest

Home to New Zealand's largest kauri tree; Tane Mahuta, Waipoua Forest provides great exploration opportunities for lovers of the outdoors. The tree is believed to be more than 2,000 years old and is still growing today with a diameter of 4.4 metres and stretching up nearly 18 metres to the first branch. Aptly named 'The Lord of the Forest' the Tane Mahuta is a major drawing card for visitors to the forest and is reached via just a short walk. The forest is filled with ancient, towering trees and is home to a collection of rare bird species, making it the perfect outdoor journey.

The forest can be explored on your own during the day - just be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes - or at night with the help of an experienced guide on an organised tour. Under the guidance of a local Maori guide you can learn all about the region and the forest as well as the flora and fauna that has been growing here for many years.