Access

Kahikatea Walk is signposted on the left 6.8 km along Pohangina Valley Road from the junction with Churchill Road. There is a small parking area at the start of the track, which is signposted to the right.

Track

The loop track weaves through severely storm damaged forest. At the apex is a fine stand of kahikatea, of substantial height and with untapering clean boles. The track continues past large totara and an understorey of tawa seedlings and kawakawa.

Be vigilant for the presence of ongaonga.

Flora

The kahikatea is a lowland tree, which is often the dominant tree to colonise wet and boggy ground, but also tolerates drier sites. It is the tallest native tree, sometimes topping 60 metres in height, and grows at less than 600 metres altitude. Differing growth stages exhibit differing forms. The rather mangy seedling grows to a distinctive conical form in its youth. When mature, the crown opens out. The wood is straight grained, easily workable and durable. Europeans used the odourless wood to make butter boxes, as it did not impart any undesirable flavours.