If you’re driving up to Cape Reinga or heading back down the west coast, the Tāne Mahuta Walk is pretty much a must-stop. To be honest, there aren’t a whole lot of attractions along this stretch of road, so Waipoua Forest is a no-brainer.

The walk itself is a super easy stroll (about 20 minutes one way) that takes you to New Zealand's largest living kauri tree, Tāne Mahuta. This giant is also known as the ‘Lord of the Forest,’ and trust me, standing in front of it is something else. You’ll be blown away by its sheer size and the sense of ancient wisdom it seems to carry.

The trail is wheelchair and buggy-friendly, so it’s great for all ages. And one important thing, don’t forget to scrub your shoes at the cleaning station before and after your walk. It’s a small step, but it helps protect these incredible kauri trees from disease so future generations can enjoy them too.