Step Into Our World: Guided Tours In The Waipoua Forest
The spiritual environment of the Waipoua Forest provides a natural stage for an unforgettable Footprints Waipoua encounter with some of the largest remaining kauri trees in the world.
'Step into our World' and let our local guides take you on a memorable journey through nature's stages of evolution, whilst providing a mythological and interactive interpretation of life in the forest.
Meet our ancestors; the mighty Te Matua Ngahere ('The Father of the Forest') estimated to be between 3,000 and 4,000 years old, his mighty girth is over 5 metres (15ft) in diameter. 'The Four Sisters' are a graceful collection of kauri trees that have grown close together in sibling harmony and finally, Tane Mahuta ('The Lord of the Forest') who stands an impressive 51 metres (150ft) tall.
Join us at Footprints Waipoua for an intimate encounter to learn how these trees are inter-twined with the lives of local Maori and the important role they play in the eco-system that is the Waipoua Forest.
Please don't hesitate to Contact Us for further information on our tours, to discuss your ideas, your requirements, to obtain a quote etc.
Book a Footprints Waipoua Experience of a Lifetime Tour here.
2011 Waipoua Run & Walk Event
We are pleased to announce that the 2011 Waipoua Run & Walk Event will be held on Sunday 5 June 2011.
Please keep checking here for more announcements.
In the meantime feel free to check out some pictures from this year's event.
Waipoua Forest Fun Run & Walk 2010
The 2010 Waipoua Forest Run & Walk Event was an amazing success. Fortunately enough the weather gods blessed us with fantastic weather that the 312 participants appreciated.
The Waipoua Visitors Centre was this year's new finish line and presented all participants with the perfect location to applaud those who finished or to swap stories of bravery. More>>>
Hokianga's New iSITE and Footprints Waipoua & Crossings Hokianga Office Now Open
What an awesome turnout and fantastic weather to boot for the official opening of Hokianga's new iSITE and our office. Speakers included Kelvin Davis (Labour MP Spokesperson for Tourism), Wayne Brown (Mayor, Far North District Council), David Edmunds (CEO, Far North District Council), David Wilkes (General Manager Tourism Development, Tourism NZ), John Klaracich and Goff Rawiri. The blessing of the building was conducted by Reverend Wiki Rawiri. Many thanks to the Far North District Council, The Lloydd Family Trust, John Pattinson Builders, Tom Iraia and others who were instrumental in making this opportunity a reality.
New Kauri National Park for Northland
Conservation Minister Tim Groser has asked the New Zealand Conservation Authority (NZCA) to investigate the creation of a new National Park in Northland.
Investigating the proposed new National Park may take up to a year and includes significant consultation with the tangata whenua, Te Iwi o Te Roroa, local authorities, iwi groups and the public. More>>>
Two of the world's oldest trees could help bring more Japanese visitors to New Zealand
The two trees - Waipoua Forest's giant kauri Tane Mahuta and Jomon Sugi, a giant cedar on Yakushima Island off the coast of Japan - have brought the two countries closer in a ground-breaking 'Family of Ancient Trees' agreement to be signed in Northland today (23 April 2009).
The agreement, much like a sister city relationship, will see the two trees promoted together in both countries. Japanese travel agents are already planning products and brochures that will see Tane Mahuta promoted alongside domestic travel to Yakushima. More>>>
Guest comments
- "Every Kiwi should take a trip to Tane Mahuta and experience this living legend" - Steve Williams, caddy for Tiger Woods - October 2008.
- "My family and I had a truly wonderful time exploring the glorious Waipoua Forest with Joe and Bill. It was a very intimate and magical experience. I think it's a trip every New Zealander should do" - Hilary Barry - December 2007.
- "What lucky people we are - we loved it all; thank you Koro and Joe" - Bette Midler, actress & singer, USA - May 2005.
- "Inspiring" - Jim & Sheila, England - February 2007.
- "Incredible, mystical experience" - Bill & Bonnie, USA - February 2007.
- "Awesome and inspiring" - Adam, England - February 2007.
- "Amazing, unforgettable" - Mike & Jackie, England - December 2006.
Lonely Planet: Code Green
Footprints Waipoua features in Lonely Planet's Code Green - Experiences of a Lifetime.
Code Green draws together almost 100 responsible travel experiences from across the planet, all linked by three defining principles; tread lightly on the environment, immerse yourself in the culture and have a positive economic benefit for the local community.
- Download the current Hokianga Tourism Brochure