Tracks for trees

Whirinaki and Urewera

Yep endorse Whirinaki and Urewera and Pureora also has some very impressive stands of podocarps too.

Ruapani track, lake Waikaremoana is fantastic. Don't underestimate the Waitakeres also for a local fix of big Kauri. Cascades is great as is the Hamilton track at the start of the Hillary trail.

I have done Whirinaki and the Hillary Trail (awesome trees on both). Have not yet made it to Te Urewera, and had intended to do the Manuoha Track but will definitely check out the Ruapani track now. It looks great, thanks for the tip!

The tallest native tree is in Pureroa: https://haere.net/Pirongia-The-Cone-2-days-loop-%28via-Bell-and-Tahuanui-tracks%29 Not the most impressive one but still interesting to see.

Since you're in Auckland, try the Rereatukahia track in the Kaimai Range. You don't need to go all the way, you know soon enough when you enter the magnificent kauri grove. I personally haven't seen a better one yet. Kauri have completely outcompeted everyone else and dominate this area.

Did you visit the Arohaki Lagoon while at Whirinaki. One of the best remaining Kahikatea stands you will see anywhere.

Wait till you hit the west coast you'll get your fill of native bush down there. It's almost nothing but native bush right to the road verge.

Kahikateas! Love these trees. There's a few pockets of bush around Auckland with some absolute crackers in them (Smith's Bush, Awaruku Reserve etc.) I have been meaning to go check out that biggest tree track for a while. Did see some big mature trees on the way down from the Pirongia summit. Can't remember what track though. And it looks as if I'm going to have to make my way back to Whirinaki as I didn't check out the lagoon when I was there. Will definitely check out the Rereatukahia Track as I I've been meaning to do more in the Kaimais, I've only done the Wairere Falls Track so far. Thanks for the tip. The most impressive kauri grove I've been through so far was at the top of the Waiotemarama Loop Track in the Waima Forest up North. The West Coast! This is what I keep hearing. Am absolutely stoked to be finally making it down south. From what I can gather there's particularly fine podocarp forest through the Westland/Tai Poutini NP. Any specific tracks anyone can recommend down south for big tree appreciation?