Kauri Walks — Attraction in Kaikohe-Hokianga Community

You can only stand in deep reverence at the awesome nature of these trees as you walk this relatively short path. I have posted below this online description of the kauri tree

“The Kauri tree, majestic and iconic, stands as a symbol of resilience and grandeur in the forests of New Zealand. Belonging to the Agathis genus, these evergreen conifers are renowned for their colossal size, with some specimens reaching heights of over 50 meters and diameters that rival the giants of the botanical world.

“What sets the Kauri apart is not just its impressive dimensions, but also its longevity—some individuals have been known to live for over 2,000 years. The smooth, straight trunk of the Kauri is complemented by branches that ascend majestically, creating a distinctive silhouette against the Southern Hemisphere sky.

“The timber of the Kauri is highly prized for its quality, historically used by the Māori people for crafting canoes and intricate carvings. However, the Kauri faces contemporary challenges, including the threat of a devastating soil-borne pathogen. Conservation efforts are underway to safeguard these ancient giants, emphasizing their cultural and ecological significance in the lush landscapes...

Beautiful walk in some of the last remaining Kauri forest. In the effort to prevent the spread of the cursed Kauri Die Back disease the Department of conservation have closed off many of the old tracks but have spent considerable time and money to maintain access to a few that have been set up with footwear wash stations and either board walked or gravelled. The effort is appreciated and whilst DOC do a lot of things that I believe to be foolhardy such as the dumping of 1080 poison into the environment including water courses in the effort to control pests, I fully understand and endorse this attempt to preserve the magnificent Kauri. To anybody reading this I would encourage you to see these gods of the forest while you still can. Photos don't do them justice, there is beauty and a sense of both pathos and power when you stand in the presence of living things that have stood for...

I visited the two giant kauri trees on a guided tour run by Footprints Waipoua that went in the evening. The tour picked up and returned my group to Omapare. The guide provided torches and umbrellas which were both necessary. The walks are on gravel tracks and board walkways but only suitable for walkers. The giant kauri are unimaginably big and put mankind in his place. The Footprints Waipoua guide explained and involved the group in the Maori reverence and cultural significance of the trees so it was a moving experience. On the walk we saw and heard native birds including a...