The Lord of the Forest (Tane Mahuta) and the Father of the Forest (Te Matua Ngahere), two of the world’s largest living kauri trees are both found amongst the magnificent trees in Waipoua Forest on the North Island of New Zealand.
Tane Mahuta – Lord of the Forest
New Zealand’s Kauri Forest
My niece is visiting and we took her up North for a week. Our itinerary took us in a loop over the top of the North Island. Tane Mahuta is on the West coast on our way back down from the top. Look closely and see if you can spot her in the bush near the base of the huge tree called Tane Mahuta – Lord of the Forest. She is wearing an orange shirt.
Look closely at the photos and see if you can spot my niece in the bush near the base of Tane Mahuta – Lord of the Forest. She is wearing an orange shirt.
Here is some history and legend information on the Lord of the Forest (Tane Mahuta):
More great trees we saw in the Waipoua Forest (New Zealand’s Kauri Forest):
All photos ©Rhonda Albom 2013. All rights reserved.
Travel Tips: Getting to the Waipoua Forest
On the west coast of the North Island, the Waipoua Forest is about a three-hour drive North West of Auckland. We use the Lonely Planet New Zealand to guide us.
If driving from Auckland city directly, cross the Harbour Bridge and travel north on SH 1 to State Highway 12. Take SH12 to Waipoua Settlement Rd in Northland. Continue on Waipoua Settlement Rd. Take Katui Rd and Waipoua River Rd to Forestry Rd in Waipoua Kauri Forest.
There is also a large Kauri Tree (not nearly as large as these) in Warkworth. It is only an hour from Auckland.
Have you seen the Lord of the Forest or any other kauri trees?
Stunning Russell New Zealand, Once the Hell Hole of the Pacific
Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields
January 7, 2017 at 2:22 pmHi Rhonda and thank you. I love giant trees. I have just been scrolling through your blog looking for things we should do on our upcoming trip to the North Island. This one is a definite.
Rhonda Albom
January 8, 2017 at 11:01 amThere is plenty to see along the way too.
Nan
February 7, 2013 at 12:24 amWow! That tree is huge.
Rebecca
February 6, 2013 at 12:57 pmwow! such a huge trees you’ve got there! really love the pic!
having so much fun! 🙂
Cyndi
February 1, 2013 at 3:50 pmI did not know you are in NZ! One of my dearest friends lives outside of Auckland. I WILL visit there someday! 😀
Jeff
February 1, 2013 at 9:09 amThat Tane Mahuta is one BIG tree!
self sagacity
January 31, 2013 at 7:58 pmthat would be a great place to be on a sunny hot summer day.
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly
January 31, 2013 at 6:51 pmGreat photos! Awesome tree! I didn’t know you were in New Zealand, live there, or just visiting?
Shannon Lawrence
January 31, 2013 at 2:39 pmI thought the tree was pretty big, and then I found your niece! Ha! Wow. Very cool.
Shannon
jessica @peekababy
January 31, 2013 at 10:22 amLooks like an amazing spot to visit!
clairejustineoxox
January 31, 2013 at 10:20 amBeautiful place to go 🙂
TaMara
January 31, 2013 at 8:49 amThat is one HUGE tree! Looks like a wonderful place to visit.
Rorybore
January 31, 2013 at 8:36 amThat is amazing……and I love playing “Where’s Waldo” – LOL
Would so love to visit there. it looks awe-inspiring and peaceful and just beautiful.
Christy Ann
January 31, 2013 at 7:57 amWow, what a magical place!!! My mom recently went there on vacation, and I loved seeing her pictures and learning about the Maori!
❤ Julie Maloney ❤ (@Momspective)
January 31, 2013 at 6:51 amOh my Gosh you look so tiny!
Diane @ Me, Him And The Cats
January 31, 2013 at 6:46 amThat looks like a fun place to visit! Great shots!
Janet@TheCatOnMyHead
January 31, 2013 at 5:57 amYour niece would have been totally camouflaged if she hadn’t been wearing that orange shirt. We thought the Giant Seqouias were big. Purrs and hugs, the kitties at http://www.thecatonmyhead.com, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Josette
Jenn @comebackmomma
January 31, 2013 at 5:10 amI visited New Zealand about 12 years ago. I would love to go back and bring my kids.
Paula J
January 31, 2013 at 4:05 amWow! I’ve never seen such a GIANT tree in my life!
Happy WW 🙂
Monica
January 31, 2013 at 3:15 amHoly moly, those are HUGE trees! I have never been to New Zealanf but would love to visit someday. This is another great aspect of blogging and WW, seeing the beauty of other countries.
funthreads
January 31, 2013 at 3:14 amWhat a beautiful place to visit. That tree is magnificent.
Sophia
January 31, 2013 at 1:00 amThat’s one huge tree. I could barely see your niece at the bottom.
Sophia
twentyfiveseasons.com
Russ
January 31, 2013 at 12:08 amGreat Pictures. And thanks for the history lesson. I would love to visit New Zealand some day.
Nan
January 30, 2013 at 8:48 pmHappy WW,
Have a wonderful week!
Nan
veronica lee
January 30, 2013 at 5:20 pmWOW!! That tree is colossal!
Happy WW!
Jackie
January 30, 2013 at 4:40 pmThat is really cool! I would love to go there!
Michelle
January 30, 2013 at 3:56 pmWow! Nothing like realizing how small you are in the major scheme of things! Definitely need to add New Zealand to our list of places to go.
bettyl
January 30, 2013 at 2:53 pmThere are so many wonderful things to see here in New Zealand! Love your photos.
Judy Haughton-James
January 30, 2013 at 2:52 pmThose trees are huge! Great shots! Thanks for hosting.
Dominique Goh
January 30, 2013 at 2:29 pmWhao..that’s a really huge tree. Happy WW
Joyce
January 30, 2013 at 1:28 pmNice. I’m excited for my nephew’s trip to New Zealand. If I can’t see you, at least he can.
Aussiepomm
January 30, 2013 at 12:46 pmWOW – I have never seen the Kauri that BIG!! And to see your niece against the trunk, it was like, ‘where is she’??
Thanks for stopping by AussiePomm – In the Navy!!!!
Have a great day!!
Char
January 30, 2013 at 12:27 pmWhat an (awe)some tree!
Cheers,
Char
Theresa
January 30, 2013 at 10:39 amWow, I never would have guessed that that tree was that HUGE without having her stand next to it for a size reference!
Michael Offutt
January 30, 2013 at 9:50 amThat is one huge tree.
Bree @ Twinkle in the Eye
January 30, 2013 at 8:20 amWhat a beautiful place
Comedy Plus
January 30, 2013 at 6:57 amI can see why it’s called that. It’s HUGE!
Have a terrific day. 🙂
Tammi @ My Organized Chaos
January 30, 2013 at 6:57 amwow, gorgeous location!!
stevebethere
January 30, 2013 at 6:01 amOh I would love it there it looks so peaceful 🙂
I’ve only met the lord of the manor LOL
Have a fantabulous week Rhonda 😉