Waipoua Forest

Size doesn’t matter, you say? Wait until you’ve seen Waipoua Forest because there are trees, and then there are the massive kauri trees…

Waipoua is home to the “Lord of the Forest”, Tāne Mahuta. Towering over 51m high, this is New Zealand's largest tree. When you stand at its base and look up, you can’t help but feeling at least a teensy bit overwhelmed. Then there is its older brother, the awe-inspiring Te Matua Ngahere. OK, size may not always matter, but experience does and these giant conifers are quite possibly more than 2,000 years old. Now THAT’s impressive.

Explore Waipoua Forest

Omapere

In remote Omapere nature gangs up on you a bit, to completely blow your mind with some seriously stunning views.

Opononi

Switch to beach bum mode in Opononi where a classic seaside retreat is waiting for you.

Kai Iwi Lakes

Hike through the forest, go kayaking, set up camp on the lakeshore or dip into the clear waters for a swim in this scenic triple-lake nature reserve.

Rawene

Rawene, New Zealand’s third-oldest European settlement, is plonked right on the edge of Hokianga Harbour.

Tane Mahuta

Marvel at New Zealand's most iconic tree, an enormous kauri that grew here many centuries before the first Māori explorers even arrived.

Where to stay in Waipoua Forest

The Heads Hokianga

334 State Highway 12

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Nestled on the beach, this Omapere hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Omapere Beach and Hokianga Harbour. Opononi Beach and Pakia Hill Lookout are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Opononi Resort

19 State Highway 12, RD 3

Rated 3.9 / 5 by Guests

Located in the heart of Opononi, this hotel is steps from Hokianga Harbour and Opononi Beach. Omapere Beach is 2.4 mi (3.9 km) away.

Opononi Lighthouse Motel

45 STATE HIGHWAY 12

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Opononi, this beach motel is steps from Hokianga Harbour and Opononi Beach. Omapere Beach and Pakia Hill Lookout are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Wai Hou Oma Lodge

357 Kai Iwi Lakes Road, RD 3

Rated 4.7 / 5 by Guests

Situated by the ocean, this eco-friendly lodge is 1.7 mi (2.8 km) from Kai Iwi Lakes and within 20 mi (32 km) of Trounson Kauri Park and Maunganui Bluff. The Woodturners Kauri Gallery and Studio and Dargaville Museum are also within 25 mi (40 km).

See all Hotels in Waipoua Forest

Things to do in Waipoua Forest

Daylight Forest Encounter

By Footprints Waipoua

Set out for an intimate encounter with the great trees of the Waipoua Forest. With a local guide's insight into the forest's unique history and lore, you can

Duration: 4h

Twilight Forest Encounter

By Footprints Waipoua

Embark on a journey through the spiritual environment of the Waipoua Forest, a natural stage with some of the largest remaining kauri trees in the world.

Duration: 4h

Cities near Waipoua Forest

Omapere

In remote Omapere nature gangs up on you a bit, to completely blow your mind with some seriously stunning views.

Opononi

Switch to beach bum mode in Opononi where a classic seaside retreat is waiting for you.

Rawene

Rawene, New Zealand’s third-oldest European settlement, is plonked right on the edge of Hokianga Harbour.

Kerikeri

Surrender to the serenity of Kerikeri, with its old-world attractions, tasty produce and lush nature.

Waipoua Forest Hotels

Flights to Waipoua Forest

Waipoua Forest Car Hire

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