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.
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Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields
Hi 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
There is plenty to see along the way too.
Nan
Wow! That tree is huge.
Rebecca
wow! such a huge trees you’ve got there! really love the pic!
having so much fun! 🙂
Cyndi
I did not know you are in NZ! One of my dearest friends lives outside of Auckland. I WILL visit there someday! 😀
Jeff
That Tane Mahuta is one BIG tree!
self sagacity
that would be a great place to be on a sunny hot summer day.
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly
Great photos! Awesome tree! I didn’t know you were in New Zealand, live there, or just visiting?
Shannon Lawrence
I thought the tree was pretty big, and then I found your niece! Ha! Wow. Very cool.
Shannon
jessica @peekababy
Looks like an amazing spot to visit!
clairejustineoxox
Beautiful place to go 🙂
TaMara
That is one HUGE tree! Looks like a wonderful place to visit.
Rorybore
That 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
Wow, 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)
Oh my Gosh you look so tiny!
Diane @ Me, Him And The Cats
That looks like a fun place to visit! Great shots!
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Your 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
I visited New Zealand about 12 years ago. I would love to go back and bring my kids.
Paula J
Wow! I’ve never seen such a GIANT tree in my life!
Happy WW 🙂
Monica
Holy 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
What a beautiful place to visit. That tree is magnificent.
Sophia
That’s one huge tree. I could barely see your niece at the bottom.
Sophia
twentyfiveseasons.com
Russ
Great Pictures. And thanks for the history lesson. I would love to visit New Zealand some day.
Nan
Happy WW,
Have a wonderful week!
Nan
veronica lee
WOW!! That tree is colossal!
Happy WW!
Jackie
That is really cool! I would love to go there!
Michelle
Wow! 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
There are so many wonderful things to see here in New Zealand! Love your photos.
Judy Haughton-James
Those trees are huge! Great shots! Thanks for hosting.
Dominique Goh
Whao..that’s a really huge tree. Happy WW
Joyce
Nice. I’m excited for my nephew’s trip to New Zealand. If I can’t see you, at least he can.
Aussiepomm
WOW – 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
What an (awe)some tree!
Cheers,
Char
Theresa
Wow, I never would have guessed that that tree was that HUGE without having her stand next to it for a size reference!
Michael Offutt
That is one huge tree.
Bree @ Twinkle in the Eye
What a beautiful place
Comedy Plus
I can see why it’s called that. It’s HUGE!
Have a terrific day. 🙂
Tammi @ My Organized Chaos
wow, gorgeous location!!
stevebethere
Oh I would love it there it looks so peaceful 🙂
I’ve only met the lord of the manor LOL
Have a fantabulous week Rhonda 😉