Waipoua Forest is one of the best examples of a kauri forest left in New Zealand. It is home to the two largest living kauri trees, Tane Mahuta (Lord of the Forest) and Te Matua Ngahere (Father of the Forest), both trees are easily accessed from the road. Other giant trees nearby are the Four Sisters, The Phantum Tree and Yakas.

If you follow State Highway 12 north of Dargaville passed the remarkably clear Kai Iwi Lakes, you will eventually arrive at the Waipoua Forest. Soon after entering the forest from the south, you will pass through some magnificent stands of tall kauri, rimu and northern rata. Turn off to the Forest Lookout, it was once a fire lookout, but now it offers an impressive view over the forest. A short drive north brings you to the forest’s Visitor Centre, which has stacks of information on kauri trees, native birds and the Waipoua Forest. Be sure to pick up the informative brochure on the forest while you are there. There are a number of very good hiking or tramping tracks throughout the forest that lead up onto the ranges and onto the plateau.

The forest has the largest population of North Island brown kiwi’s in Northland, and a slowly decreasing population of kokako on the high plateau country, this small population is vulnerable to predation, and competition with possums. The native forest parrots, kakariki and kaka are occasionally seen but are no longer common. More abundant are the Native Wood Pigeon (or Kereru) which play a vital role spreading the seeds of many plants. Fantail, pied tit, tui, grey warbler, shining cuckoo and kingfisher are also quite common here.

The drive through the forest is a pleasure, the road is sealed, so it is perfect for campervans, with numerous parking spots where you can stop and enjoy the tranquillity of the surroundings. Waipoua Forest is an easy return day trip from Whangarei and The Bay of Islands. There is a DOC campsite near the visitors centre, set in a natural park setting.

There is accommodation either side of the forest, including bed and breakfasts, homestays, farmstays and holiday houses There are and some exquisite luxurious lodges, with views over the forest. Dargaville has backpacker hostels, hotels, motels, apartments and camping grounds, as does Rawini on the Hokianga harbour. We recommend that you check and pre-book your Waipoua Forest accommodation, as it can get busy throughout the year.