Waipoua Forest is a protected area in the Hokianga region of Northland. It is home to some of the largest remaining kauri trees in New Zealand.

Understand

The lush greenery of Waipoua Forest

Get in

The forest is located along State Highway 12 between Omapere to the north and Dargaville to the south. The drive is roughly an hour from Dargaville or 20 minutes from Omapere.

Get around

A car or bike is needed to get around. Highway 12 is the only through road in the forest.

See and Do

Te Matua Ngahere / Father of the Forest

A visitor to Waipoua Forest sprays disinfectant on her shoes to reduce the spread of kauri dieback disease.

The highlight of the forest is the stands of majestic kauri trees, some that can be seen via easy walks from the road. Visitors are asked to clean their shoes before and after hiking to the trees, and keep to the track, to avoid spreading kauri dieback disease and damaging the tree’s sensitive roots.

• 1 Tane Mahuta, State Highway 12 (18 km south of Omapere, and 65 km north of Dargaville). A giant kauri tree, the largest living kauri. The tree is estimated to be between 1250 and 2500 years old. A 200 metre walk from the car park. Keep to the track to avoid spreading kauri dieback disease and damaging tree roots. (updated Nov 2023)
• 2 Te Matua Ngahere, State Highway 12 (parking lot is 19 km south of Omapere, and 64 km north of Dargaville, sign-posted “Kauri Walks”). Carpark open 9AM-4:30PM. Believed to be the second largest kauri tree, Te Matua Ngahere (Father of the Forest) measures a massive 16.5 m wide and 37 m tall, and is estimated to be around 2,000 years old. The tree can be viewed at the end of a 730 m / 20 min trail from the car park. (updated Nov 2023)
• 3 Waipoua Forest Scenic Lookout, Lookout Rd (from Highway 12, turn onto Lookout Rd and follow it to the parking area and fire lookout). Carpark open 9AM-4:30PM. Scenic hilltop viewpoint that looks out over the Waipoua Forest. (updated Nov 2023)

Sleep

Lodging

• 1 Waipoua Lodge, 4748 State Highway 12 (45 km N of Dargaville), ☏ 64 9 439 0422. A four suite lodge in a kauri homestead overlooking the Waipoua Forest. There are two suites for 2 and two suites for up to 4. Amenities include kitchenette with fridge and microwave, breakfast, laundry service and private deck or patio/terrace. $650. (updated Nov 2023)

Camping

• 2 Waipoua Te Roroa Campground, 1 Waipoua River Rd (3-minute drive from State Highway 12, at the Waipoua River), ☏ 64 9 439 6441. 80 sites near the Waipoua River, some with power. Facilities include hot and cold showers, toilets, a communal kitchen with a refrigerator, microwave and stovetop oven. There is no WiFi. $15-17.50 adults, $6.50-8.50 children. (updated Nov 2023)