There are moments when nature makes you feel small and humbled in the best possible way. Standing beneath Tāne Mahuta, the largest known living kauri tree in New Zealand, is one of them.

For an estimated 1,250 to 2,500 years, Tāne Mahuta, also known as the "God of the Forest," has stood in Waipoua Forest on the west coast of Northland and watched centuries unfold beneath him.

It’s one thing to describe a tree by its sheer size, but Tāne Mahuta isn’t just something to see. Named after the Māori god of forests and birds, he holds deep spiritual significance in te ao Māori (the Māori world). He is a living connection to the past, a guardian of history, and a reminder of our place in the world.

The walk to Tāne Mahuta is very short and accessible. It's a flat and easy 5 minute stroll from the carpark. Follow the boardwalk through Waipoua Forest, and you'll soon come to the first of two viewpoints. This is where you'll get the closest to the giant kauri tree. The second viewpoint is 100m further along the trail and gives you a different perspective of Tāne Mahuta. I highly recommend visiting both!

Know before you go

If you plan to visit Tāne Mahuta, you MUST stick to the boardwalk. Like so many of our precious native trees, Tāne Mahuta is threatened by kauri dieback disease, a devastating infection that spreads through the soil and attacks the roots. That’s why it’s so important to use the shoe-cleaning stations and follow the path. The gate to Tāne Mahuta is locked at night. Please note that you can only visit between 9 am and 4 pm.

How to get there

The Tāne Mahuta Walk is signposted from State Highway 12, which runs through the Waipoua Forest. 65km from Dargaville..

Once you arrive, you’ll find a carpark, picnic area and flushing toilets just 25 m from the car park, opposite the road from the track entrance.