This is the place

Puketi Forest is one of Northland's ancient landmark kauri forests.  With adjoining Omahuta Forest, it forms one of the largest tracts of native forest in the region.  Within its 15,000ha Puketi contains spectacular stands of kauri and  many other native trees and is home to 365 recorded species of plants, some of which are unique to this forest.  Historically it provided food, shelter and clothing for Maori and early European settlers, while its massive kauri trees supported Northland's former timber and gum industries

Although the forest is now protected as public conservation land, its amazing natural assets are threatened by introduced pests.  Populations of kukupa, North Island kiwi and other native birds are either much smaller than they were or have gone completely through attack from pests such as mustelids (stoats, weasels and ferrets), cats, rats, pigs, possums, goats and dogs.  Native insects and plants are also vulnerable to animal pest threats. 

To help save this outstanding Northland natural asset, the Puketi Forest Trust is putting in hours of voluntary time to trap animal pests, better protect native wildlife, promote the forest and engage communities in conservation.  Its efforts are making a  big difference!  Regular monitoring shows the benefit for birds such as kiwi and the health of the forest in general. 

Seeing is of course believing - and 100,000 visitors annually do just that.  Because Puketi is so accessible - just up the road from Kerikeri or Okaihau - and with easy, short walking tracks, everyone has the opportunity to appreciate what this forest might once have been like.  A choice of the 15 minute Maninganinga loop walk (via Pungaere Rd from Waipapa), 1.6k nature trail from the Puketi Recreation Area or - my favourite - the 2.6k Waihoanga Gorge track, from Puketi Rd provides a stunning kauri experience.