Tāne Mahuta, New Zealand’s tallest kauri tree, will be closed to visitors for the next two months for repairs to its boardwalk and viewing platform.
The project, led by the Department of Conservation and Te Roroa iwi, aims to protect the Waipoua Forest from kauri dieback, a disease threatening these ancient trees. Work began on September 30 and is expected to finish by late November, just before the busy summer season.
DOC says the upgrades will improve safety and help prevent the spread of kauri dieback, a serious disease that harms kauri trees by blocking the flow of water and nutrients. Tāne Mahuta, which stands 51.5 meters tall and is about 1,500 years old, attracts around 200,000 visitors every year.
Other trails in Waipoua Forest, like the one to the huge kauri Te Matua Ngahere, remain open. This project is part of a larger effort to improve visitor experiences and forest health, with future plans possibly including guided walks and new areas for visitors to explore.
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