Te Matua Ngahere is a giant kauri (Agathis australis) coniferous tree in the Waipoua Forest of Northland Region, New Zealand. The tree's Māori name means "Father of the Forest". Although not as massive or tall as its neighbour Tāne Mahuta, Te Matua Ngahere is stouter, with a girth just over . It is believed to be the second largest living kauri tree, and to have the biggest girth of any tree in New Zealand. or between 2,000 and 3,000 years old; One resource, published by National Geographic Books, claims that Te Matua Ngahere may be the oldest tree in New Zealand, while another suggests that it is the oldest rainforest tree on Earth. The tree, a remnant of the ancient rainforest that once grew on the North Auckland Peninsula, has a relationship with other flora, such as orchids, clubmoss, and a rata tree that grew on it.
History
thumb|upright|Kauri tree Te Matua Ngahere (Father of the Forest) at Waipoua Forest (Northland, New Zealand). Photograph taken before the 2007 storm damage.
The ancient tree is considered to be a natural heritage of New Zealand. It is generally considered to be over 1500 years old, and was first discovered in February 1937. Forest conservationists estimate that such trees live for about 4000 years, but the life span of Te Matua Ngahere should shorten due to the damage from the 2007 storm winds. These forests are within the largest residual region of the native forests in Northland of New Zealand.
The tree is well situated in an open space clearing. It is approached from State Highway 12 through the Waipoua Forest up to the car park, close to the site of the tree. From this point, a winding walk of about 20 minutes along a well-maintained track, surfaced with boardwalks, has marked signs leading directly to the Te Matua Ngahere. The boardwalks protect tree roots from being subjected to human feet. Waipoua forest was declared a sanctuary in 1952 to stop logging operations. It is stated to be the largest remnant of the extensive kauri forests of northern New Zealand. It is here that Te Matua Ngahere is located. An road runs through the forest passing medium-sized mature kauri high girth trees. A toatoa point here provides excellent views of the forest. The Park Visitor Information Centre disseminates information on the "Kauri trees, gum industry and native birds and other wild life." The car park from where the Te Matua Ngahere could be approached through a track is about from the Visitor Information Centre.). With an estimated volume of , it is stated to have the second biggest trunk by volume; however, the biggest tree by volume is the Tāne Mahuta, which is also in the Waipoua Forest with a volume of . Its measurements are listed in the table below. The most recent measurements may be found on the New Zealand Tree Register.
Tourism
The tree attracts about 50,000 visitors every year.
See also
- Agathis australis
- List of individual trees
- List of oldest trees