Tāne Mahuta – The Biggest Kauri tree
Tāne Mahuta, also known as Lord of the Forest, is the biggest known Kauri Tree in Northland and New Zealand. It is around 50 meters high and measured at 14 meters around the trunk at breast height. Its age is estimated to be between 1,250 and 2,500 years. Tāne is Māori god of birds and forests. Therefore, Tāne Mahuta is a sacred tree for all Māori people. According to mythology, all living creatures of the forest are regarded as Tāne’s children.
The tree is the part of an ancient subtropical rainforest which once grew on North Auckland Peninsula.
In January 1924 when the State Highway 12 was under survey, Tāne Mahuta was first discovered. In 1929, while the road been built, it was also identified by the workers.
Along with Te Matua Ngahere, Tāne Mahuta is the most famous tree in New Zealand and one of the iconic must-visit places of Aotearoa.
Once you face the giant “Lord of the Forest” the first moment will take your breath and you will feel the ancient presence and strength of the magnificent tree. It rises among the trees like an iceberg in the Southern Ocean. Due to its size, people look like dwarfs while standing by Tāne Mahuta.
It is very important to keep to the tracks when you visit these magnificent trees as their roots are very sensitive and walking on them reduces their lifespan.
Also, in 2018, Tāne Mahuta was considered threatened by kauri dieback, which is a generally fatal disease. Unfortunately, it has already infected nearby kauri trees and is a very serious problem existing nowadays in New Zealand.
Photo credit by NZ Herald
THE Tāne Mahuta Walk
Tāne Mahuta can be accessed via short and joyful 5-minute walk.
As mentioned on the DOC website:
‘This short walk leads you under cooling shade of the forest canopy to the majestic Tāne Mahuta, New Zealand’s largest living kauri tree.
Not far into the walk, 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’ll feel compelled to pause for a while. You can almost feel Tāne Mahuta’s strength and ancient presence, and its overwhelming size makes visitors look like dwarfs.’
Where is Tāne Mahuta located?
Tāne Mahuta is located in Waipoua Forest in Northland off the State Highway 12. You can drive 65 km north from Dargaville or 18 km to the south from the township of Omapere. You will not miss the signs.
It is the easiest walk which takes only 5 minutes’ and accessible by the wheelchairs as well. You cannot take the dogs with you unless you carry DOC permit.