Seeing the Forest for the Trees

Driving up the Twin Coast Discovery Highway, our first stop was the Kauri Museum where we found exhibits on absolutely everything associated with the magnificent Kauri tree. Elaborate displays walked us through the tree’s ancient history through to the logging industry that led to its exploitation.













We learned about Kauri gum which forms when resin from the tree leaks through fractures and cracks in the bark. The gum had diverse uses, ranging from gum chewing to making varnish. Gum digging became an industry of its own. Once exposed to the air, the gum lumps hardened and can be carved.









The museum proved to be the perfect precursor to our drive beyond through the Waipoua Forest.








This forest contains the largest stand of Kauri on the island. An easy walk took us to the famed Tane Mahuta -“Lord of the Forest. This is the largest living Kauri tree in New Zealand. Not far away, we found the next largest living Kauri - Te Matua – “Father of the Forest.”