Exploring Ancient Kauri Trees in Northland
In Northland, New Zealand, ancient kauri forests once flourished, playing a vital role in the region's ecology. However, European settlement led to extensive deforestation, and kauri dieback disease has further limited access to many forest trails. However, the Puketi Forest has two accessible short trails, the Manginangina Kauri Walk and the Puketi Forest Nature Trail, which provide access to these ancient trees.
Discovering Manginangina Kauri Walk
The Manginangina Kauri Walk is a short boardwalk that winds through a a grove of ancient kauri trees, around 1,000 years old, and a section of swamp forest on the eastern side of Puketi Forest. This easy walk, featuring a central cluster of giant trees, provides a unique opportunity to discover what these forests looked like 200 years ago.
The 300-metre loop track includes a central viewing point, allowing for an up-close view of these impressive trees. Informative panels along the path offer insights into the trees and the surrounding forest ecology. Although the walk is brief, taking your time to fully appreciate the setting is worthwhile. Be mindful that this spot is popular with bus tour groups, so it can become busy.
How to get there
To get to Manginangina Kauri Walk from central Kerikeri, take Waipapa Road to State Highway 10. Follow the highway north through Waipapa, then turn left onto Pungaere Road. The final stretch of this road is metalled and leads to Waiare Road. Turn north, and you will arrive at the car park. The drive takes just over 20 minutes.
There are several other walks of interest around Kerikeri, including the Kerikeri River Track to Rainbow Falls, Kororipo Heritage Reserve, and Charlies Rock Waterfall. For more ancient kauri experiences in Northland, consider visiting Waipoua Forest and Trounson Kauri Park on the Kauri Coast.
