Matakohe
We left Auckland early in the morning. The first stop on our journey north was at Matakohe, a settlement in Northland. The Kauri Museum is a very interesting, hands- on establishment, showing how the settlers harvested the timber and gum from the giant Kauri trees. It also shows the trees’ uses and how the early settlers worked and lived.
The Waipoua Kauri Forest
Having seen the uses of the Kauri tree we then travelled on to see the last remaining large Kauri forest, Waipoua. It lies 235 metres above sea level. It was spectacular scenery, with roads lined with New Zealand ferns and cabbage trees as well as the Kauri. A short walk through the forest and we were able to see the oldest tree, a 51.5 metre high, 2000 year old Kauri.
Waitangi
The last stop of the day was at Waitangi. The Waitangi National Trust comprises 506 acres and includes the site where the Treaty of Waitangi was first signed 0n 6th February 1840. The Treaty gave the British crown all rights and powers of Sovereignty in exchange for allowing the Maoris to keep their tribal lands.
Finally we made our way to our accommodation for the next two nights at Paihia on the Bay of Islands.
