Footprints Waipoua offer guided night walks into the Kauri forest

The twilight encounter into the Waipoua forest departs by coach from the Hokianga, your guide will brief you on the protocols for your visit to the mighty Waipoua forest, walking into the forest under the same stars that guided our ancestor Kupe from Hawaiiki to New Zealand. As we walk along the paths we meet trees that were already giants before his arrival.

The spiritual environment of the Waipoua Forest provides a natural stage for an unforgettable encounter with some of the largest and oldest remaining kauri trees in the world. ‘Step into our World’ and let our local guides take you on a memorable and interactive journey through natures stages of evolution.

Meet our ancestors; the mighty Te Matua Ngahere (‘The Father of the Forest’) estimated to be between 3,000 and 4,000 years old, his mighty girth is over 5 metres (15ft) in diameter.

‘The Four Sisters’ are a graceful collection of kauri trees that have grown close together in sibling harmony and finally, the highlight of the tour will be your meeting with ‘The Lord of the Forest’ – the giant Tane Mahuta! standing an impressive 51 metres (150ft) tall.Your guide will formally greet the silent giant and then suddenly you stand dwarfed before his Lordship as the darkness closes in. His gnarled ancient limbs seem to grasp at the stars and the forest is silent but for the dim chatter of its night creatures.  

Join us for an intimate NIGHT encounter with giants who have silently stood witnessing the passing of time and learn how these trees are inter-twined with the lives of local Maori and the important role they play in the eco-system that is the Waipoua Forest.

Phone: + 64 9 405 8207                 Email: info@footprintswaipoua.co.nz