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National Parks

Trounson Kauri Park, things to do — trip guide and tips

  • 3 minutes

North Island, New Zealand

In this Article

Undulating farmland, stands of native forest raise the expectations as ferns frame the road edges. The sheer smooth trunks of mature trees are glimpsed as you whizz past. Kauri, the tree that made the fortunes of many and the wooden floors of nineteenth century houses is the stuff of legends. The turnoff onto a gravel road heightens the sense of excitement about visiting a survivor, a remnant forest giant that escaped the axe.

Weather

Dargaville Weather Forecast and Observations

 

40 km (from Dargaville) 35 minutes

Best time to visit

Year round

TROUNSON KAURI PARK

Trounson Kauri Park, now a Department of Conservation Reserve is 586 hectares of kauri trees, fruiting tree species taraire, tawa and podocarp. Due to the reserve’s fruiting trees the bird life is prolific for such a small reserve. The clear waterways support koura, (crayfish) and native fish-like banded kokopu.

“DOC’s first mainland island in Northland, Trounson Kauri Park is a 586-hectare reserve featuring an impressive stand of kauri trees.DOC are extremely pleased with their success in being able to remove many of the pests and predators in the park, allowing the recovery of native trees, plants and animals. With the removal of most of the possums and rats, and large numbers of stoats, weasels, ferrets, cats, the kukupa (pigeon) is recording an increase in numbers (around 86) and Trounson has become one of the best kiwi (thought to be around 200) breeding sites in New Zealand.

The park has also undertaken the first reintroduction of North Island robins to a mainland site. Similar principles that have been used by DOC on offshore islands – clearing the environmental nasties and being off-limit to the public have been used at Trounson. Re-invasion of pests is always a problem on mainland projects, but because Trounson is relatively isolated and has no large browsing animals like pig, goats and deer, it is more easily controlled.” Kauri Coast online visitor information.

Already home to threatened species such as brown kiwi, kukupa, pekapeka (bats) banded kokopu and kauri snails, the area has potential for the re-introduction of other threatened species such as the robin, kokako, rifleman, Hochstetters frog, lizards, invertebrates and plants like mistletoe.

Parry Kauri fern underside, New Zealand

NATURE AND CONSERVATION

Trounson Kauri Park is a mainland island. The restoration project includes a 586-hectare forest reserve and farmland. The project aims to restore the former richness of native biodiversity this forest once boasted, and to let visitors enjoy a glimpse of what pristine kauri forests were once like.

More about Trounson Kauri Park Mainland Island project

Forest of ferns, giant redwoods and kauri Trounson Kauri National Park, New Zealand
Forest of ferns, giant redwoods and kauri, Trounson Kauri National Park

WALK

Self-guided boardwalk with the requisite kauri dieback station for rigorous footwear cleaning is a safe way to immerse yourself in a native forest where the only danger is tripping up as you constantly peer upwards. A highlight is the 1200 year old specimen. There are excellent information panels throughout the walk describing the canopy layers and the flora and fauna. There is a weta box for all ages to view. Kūkupa (New Zealand pigeon) are abundant and you are likely to hear and see them. North Island brown kiwi, fantails, pied tits and other forest birds are also resident with reintroduction of other birds planned for the future. Kauri, taraire, kauri grass, kiekie, neinei and ferns dominate the vegetation. Fallen kauri and the resulting light wells, clear streams and filmy ferns are among the interesting features of Trounson. Kauri roots are extremely sensitive to trampling. Stay on the track at all times to ensure no damage is done to these magnificent trees, and to help prevent the spread of kauri dieback disease.

Facts

  • Length: 1.8 km
  • Duration: 40 minutes (loop)
  • Grade: Very easy
  • Dog access: No dogs

Stop kauri dieback and protect kauri

  • Kauri dieback disease is spread through soil.
  • Scrub soil off shoes and gear and check it’s all removed before you go.
  • Use a hygiene station when you enter and leave.
  • Always stay on the track.

How you can help save kauri

Know before you go

  • Stay on the track at all times.
  • Dogs and hunting are not allowed in Trounson Kauri Park.
  • Nearest petrol station is 9 km south at Kaihu, and 37 km north at Waimamaku.
  • In strong winds, beware of falling branches.

GUIDED WALK

Kauri Coast Top 10 Holiday Park are authorised commercial operators and conduct guided 2 hour evening and night walks in Trounson bird (North Island brown kiwi) and wildlife watching.

  • Activities: Bird and wildlife watching
  • Services: Guided activities and tours

Know before you go

Wasps – There are high numbers of wasps particularly between January and April. Consider carrying an antihistamine product and if you are allergic to their stings ensure you take your medication.

@Kauri Coast TOP 10
@Kauri Coast TOP 10

CAMPING

  • Serviced
  • Bookings required
  • 12 non-powered/tent sites
  • 8 powered sites
  • Seasonal restrictions Fires are not permitted at any time.
  • Dog access No dogs
@Kauri Coast TOP 10
@kauricoasttop10

Facilities

  • Cookers/electric stove
  • Shelter for cooking
  • Shower – hot
  • Toilets – flush
  • Water from tap – not treated, boil before use
  • Wheelchair accessible
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TRAVEL PACK INFORMATION

  • Podocarp forest explanation, DOC information brochure Podocarp-hardwood forests: Native plants. Podocarp trees boast a lineage that stretches back to the time when New Zealand was part of the supercontinent of Gondwana. New Zealand has 15 podocarp tree species belonging to the coniferous families Podocarpaceae (13 species), Phylloclade (3 species). The best known are rimu, kahikatea, miro, mataī and tōtara.  In its natural state, a podocarp forest can be lush with a dense undergrowth of shrubs, ferns and tree-ferns. The few precious remnants of forest which survive often contain the highest diversity of plants and animals in the region. They are a left-over from an ancient forested time.

You can help

  • Take note of any signs warning of poison and other DOC signs.
  • Do not interfere with native birds or the traps and bait stations that are there to protect them.
  • Do not take your dogs into national parks. Restrictions may apply elsewhere.
  • Keep your dog under control in places where they are allowed.
  • Pay attention to fire warnings and local weather conditions
  • Always remember to take rubbish with you.
  • Forests: Habitats DOC information brochure

Trounson Kauri Park NZ history information pack. Trounson Kauri Park, Northland

In 1890 when the kauri timber industry threatened to wipe out all significant areas of Northland kauri forest, 3.34 hectares were set aside by the government. James Trounson, an early settler, added a further 22 hectares to this and established a Scenery Preservation Club. Trounson offered a further 364 hectares, and the area was officially opened as Trounson Kauri Park in 1921. This foreshadowed the nearby Waipoua Forest reservation of 1952. The scenic reserve now covers 586 hectares. The park is one of the predator-free mainland islands and is an enduring example of community and government co-operation.

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