It's hard to imagine what it was like when these trees were seeds... these are the ancient kauri, the remnants of the great forests that once grew in Northland. Kauri logging in early colony days decimated the number of trees, now they are only allowed to be felled to build ceremonial waka (Maori canoes) or if they need to be culled due to disease.
They are truly impressive trees, the largest of which is Tane Mahuta, Lord of the Forest, is estimated to be 1500 years old. This giant is 51.5 metres tall, with a girth of 13.77 metres. Waipoua Forest has the second and third largest trees, and altogether these kauri form a unique forest canopy. It is not hard to imagine extinct birds like the moa and the huia roaming in this forest.
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