Waipoua Kauri Forest has New Zealand's BIGGEST tree -

"Tane Mahuta", meaning ‘Lord of the Forest’.

Its age is unknown but is estimated to be between 1250 and 2500 years old.

Measurements

According to Maori mythology "Tane" is the son of Ranginui the sky father and Papatuanuku the earth mother.

Tane was the child that tore his parent’s parental embrace and once done set about clothing his mother in the forest we have here today.

All living creatures of the forest are regarded as Tane’s children.

It is thought this tree was discovered and identified in the 1920’s when contracted surveyors surveyed the present road State Highway 12 through the forest.

In 1928 Nicholas Yakas and other Bushmen, which were building the road, also identified the big tree Tane Mahuta.

This short track leads you under cooling shade of the forest canopy to the majestic Tane Mahuta.

Not far into your leisurely amble, a sweeping corner of the track suddenly brings you face to face with the ‘Lord of the Forest’.

When you catch your first breath-taking view of this magnificent tree, you feel compelled to pause for a while.

You can almost feel Tane Mahuta’s strength and ancient presence, and its overwhelming size makes visitors look like dwarfs.