Page 17 of New Zealand and The South Pacific by Audley Travel

tane mahuta waipoua forest kauri coast view from earthsong lodge great barrier island footprints waipoua locally owned and operated this venture provides the opportunity to learn about the oldest and largest kauri trees in the world once home to the maori people waipoua forest is now brought to life by local guides who share with you their stories and songs several tours are available during the day but our favourite is the `twilight encounter rich with the sounds of evening the forest feels ethereal as the silhouettes of the trees change with the light takatu lodge warkworth more than just a place to stay a visit to takatu lodge is an experience allowing you the opportunity to sample life on a working vineyard while enjoying the highest standard of comfort and the best cuisine the lodge is contemporary in style combining natural wood and stone with whole walls of glass that capture stunning views of the surrounding vineyard mountain ranges and sea beyond waipoua lodge kauri coast nestled on a ridge overlooking the impressive waipoua forest waipoua lodge provides the perfect base on the kauri coast it is over 100 years old and steeped in history with accommodation in three fully self-contained cottages which have been converted from a woolshed a calf-pen and the property s original stables each cottage has a private balcony overlooking the forest and gardens a network of bush walks lace the area and guided night walks offer the chance to spot the elusive kiwi meals of locally-grown organic produce are spiced with the traditions and herbs of maori cuisine the kauri coast the quickest way to drive between auckland and the bay of islands is along the eastern route but the west coast route passing through ancient kauri forests and lush rolling farmland is well worth the extra time waipoua forest is the most significant remnant of the once extensive forests of northland and is home to the oldest remaining kauri trees one over 2,000 years in age and many with trunks several metres across matakana an hour north of auckland near the bohemian village of puhoi and the colonial town of warkworth the matakana area is famed for its food wine and thriving arts scene there is a selection of small family run wineries as well as sandy arcs of coastline washed by rolling pacific surf matakana provides a perfect break in the drive between the bay of islands and auckland takatu lodge warkworth medlands beach great barrier island waipoua lodge kauri coast auckland northland new zealand telephone 01993 838 820 17

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