Te Matua Ngahere Walk

Short walk

Time:  

20 min one way

Distance:  

730 m

Getting there

The Te Matua Ngahere Track is sign posted “Kauri Walks” from State Highway 12, which runs through the Waipoua Forest Conservation Estate. The car park is sign posted by a brown Transit NZ sign “Kauri Walks”. At times, the sign is obscured by vegetation so be alert upon approaching as you can easily miss it.  Security is maintained in this car park due to the private enclosure.

From the car park, there is a track sign for the three walks available for recreational walking, the “Te Matua Ngahere”, “Four Sisters”, and the “Yakas Kauri”. 

The track meanders through the low shrub bringing you to a central point from which you can access the three tracks. From here the “Te Matua Ngahere” track is very well sign posted and located directly in the middle of this open space.

Description

Visitor standing at the base of the kauri
'Te Matua Ngahere'

Introduction

“Te Matua Ngahere” (Father of the Forest) is the second largest living Kauri tree in New Zealand. He is also noted as being the oldest out of the two largest living Kauri trees and is estimated to exceed 2000 year old. He was discovered by Nicholas Yakas in 1928 when he and other men were working to build the road that is now known as State Highway 12.

Measurements

Trunk Girth  16.41 m
Trunk Height  10.21 m
Total Height  29.9 m
Trunk Volume  208.1 m3

Track description

A 20-minute walk leads you to “Te Matua Ngahere” (Father of the Forest). The track is well surfaced and ranging from metal surfaces to broad walk surfaces. It is suitable for push prams and wheelchairs, although wheelchair users may need assistance in some areas. The track offers visitors an opportunity to experience many aspects of this dynamic forest system. The forest type varies from almost pure Kauri stands to mixed podocarp/hardwood, vegetation is dominated by kauri, kauri grass, kiekie, neinei and ferns. A viewing platform helps you to admire the tree without damaging its sensitive root systems.

It is very important that you keep to the walking track at all times. The Kauri tree has very sensitive surface roots, and foot traffic around the tree endangers their life span.

Activities

Plan and prepare

• Please note that there is no general store, fuel bowser or supermarket in Waipoua Forest.
• Nearest petrol station south is Kaihu, 28 km, and Waimamaku north, 20 km.
• Nearest toilets are located at the Tane Mahuta Carpark.
• In strong winds, please beware of falling branches.
• Times shown are for a one way journey only, unless otherwise shown. If the return journey is more than 1 hour, food, drink, warm clothes and wet weather gear should be carried.
• On extended bush walks a compass and topographical map are recommended. Topographical maps can be obtained from Land Information New Zealand www.linz.govt.nz and DOC Visitor Centres.
• Access to some tracks is by courtesy of the owners, please respect the owner’s property and privacy.
• Streams can be uncrossable after heavy rain and should not be attempted.
• Some tracks require timings for tidal changes and weather conditions are changeable always keep to the side of caution. A good website to check in preparation is Metservice weather  www.metservice.co.nz
• Dogs are not allowed on conservation estates.

What to expect on a short walk:

• Easy walking for up to an hour
• Track is well formed, with an even surface. There may be steps or slopes
• Suitable for people of most abilities and fitness
• Stream and rivers crossings are bridged
• Walking shoes required

back to top