Local, Maori ‘Footprints Waipoua’ guides take guests on a historic walk through one of the highlights of the Kauri Coast - the 2000 year old Waipoua Forest . The forest is home to Tane Mahuta, a national icon and the largest kauri tree in New Zealand and possibly the world.

According to Maori legend Tane Mahuta or ‘The Lord of The Forest’, played a crucial role in the story of creation as he was responsible for parting Papatuanuku, the Earth mother, and Ranginui, the Sky father, therefore allowing light to enter the world. The guides immerse guests in the history to the forest through waiata (Maori song) and Maori legends.

Footprints Waipoua is one of only two New Zealand businesses featured in Lonely Planet's new guide to authentic travel 'Code Green: Experiences of a Lifetime'.

"Our tourism product has all the ingredients that Code Green were looking for" said Koro Carman, Manager of Footprints Waipoua.

"Our commitment to the Hokianga community, and our concern for the environment, means that the experience that we offer isn't just a walk in a beautiful forest. It is an opportunity for visitors to get involved in conservation issues by participating in responsible tourism, but to also be recognised alongside an operator like Whale Watch Kaikoura, well it is definitely the icing on our cake".

Kiwi calls are recorded on all Footprints tours. Footprints staff have volunteered their time to assist Department of Conservation in the upcoming kiwi call monitoring programme, and look forward to being involved in other programmes.

The success of Footprints' experiences is also attributable to its guides, all of whom are local to the Hokianga and one who has lived in the Waipoua settlement. This personal connection to the land is conveyed to visitors through stories and song and for many this is a highly spiritual and emotional experience.

"On occasions visitors have been moved to tears when they experience the majesty of the forest by night and the openness of our culture to share how we feel. It's quite something" commented Carman.

Twilight Encounter

The Footprints, Waipoua signature tour. This 4 hour night experience visits the oldest and largest known kauri trees in the world, Te Matua Ngahere (The father of the forest) and Tane Mahuta (The lord of the forest). Let the night noises, foreign environment, time, local Maori guides and ecological and cultural interpretation (Maori story, song and instruments) awaken your spirtual senses.