Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park is one of the world's great prehistoric rainforests, located in the Central North Island of New Zealand. Spanning 600 km2 (230 sq mi), this park is renowned for being the finest remaining example of New Zealand's giant podocarp forests, offering visitors a glimpse into a Jurassic-era ecosystem.
Understand
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Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne is a place of immense ecological and cultural significance. Unlike many Northern Hemisphere forests, it is an evergreen world, a complex ecosystem that does not experience a seasonal shedding of leaves. For centuries, the forest has been a rich garden and home for local Māori tribes.
History
[edit]Landscape
[edit]Flora and fauna
[edit]The park is celebrated for its five great podocarp species—rimu, tōtara, mataī, miro, and kahikatea—which reach a gigantic size here that is unparalleled elsewhere in the world. These ancient trees belong to a family that evolved over 200 million years ago. Instead of cones, they produce a small, succulent 'foot' or bright berry, which serves as an important food source for birds. The forest boasts a higher number of tree species within its bounds than equivalent areas in Europe.
The dense forest canopy provides a vital habitat for a high number of native birds, making it a premier destination for bird watchers. The park is a sanctuary for several endangered species, including the karearea (New Zealand falcon) and the rare whio (blue duck). Other native birds you might see or hear include the screeching kākā (North Island parrot), the red and yellow-crowned kākāriki, and the large kererū (native wood pigeon). At night, you may even hear the distinctive call of the brown kiwi.
Climate
[edit]Visitor information
[edit]- Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park on NZ Department of Conservation site
- 1 Whirinaki Forest Car Park. The starting point for many walks.
Get in
[edit]The park is located on the northern and western edge of the Urewera ranges. It is accessible for rainforest experiences from the major tourism hubs of Rotorua and Taupō.
The park is 90 km southeast of Rotorua, off Te Whaiti Rd, via SH38. The most popular entrance to the park is past Minginui village and up River Road to the River Road car park.
Fees and permits
[edit]Get around
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See
[edit]The primary attractions are the towering ancient trees and the rich birdlife.
- Bird watching: The park is a haven for bird enthusiasts. Spend time looking and listening for the diverse native species, from the endangered whio to the noisy kākā.
Do
[edit]- Whirinaki Rainforest Track: Immerse yourself in the prehistoric forest to see the giant podocarp trees up close.
- 1 Arohaki Lagoon. A small ephemeral lagoon that can be accessed via a 6-kilometre (3.7 mi) walking track.
- 2 Whirinaki gorge.
Buy
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[edit]Sleep
[edit]The Department of Conservation runs 3 campsites and 10 huts in the park.