Tawa Walk

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Marios Gavalas

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Lake Waikaremoana, Tairāwhiti Gisborne

Camping near Lake Waikaremoana

Information

1 km return | 30 minutes return

Tawa is a conspicuous tree with line green light infusing the forest. This walk explores one of the best stands in the country. And a huge rata tree.

Walking Track

Access

The track starts by ascending the bank opposite Te Whaitiri Point at the signpost for the Ngamoko Track, 2.3 km south of the Aniwaniwa Visitor Centre. Shortly after the track is signposted on the left.

Track

The even track weaves through tawa forest, rejoining the Ngamoko Track after 15 minutes. Detour left for a few minutes to the large rata tree and marvel at this convoluted giant. Retrace your steps to the junction and continue down to the Ngamoko Track to the carpark.

Flora

Tawa (Beilschmiedia tawa) has the influence of infusing the forest beneath with a soothing honey-green light. It is common tree of New Zealand forests and grows to around 25 metres tall. The bright green leaves give an illuminated feel to the forest and it often grows in dense stands to the exclusion of other species. Maori used the tree for treating wounds and relieving stomach upsets.

The aged rata is thought to be 1000 years old and originally started life as an epiphyte on a rimu tree. The three main vines have branched to form a trunk system like a swarm of writhing snakes. The girth of the tree is a massive 12.2. metres.

Details

Feature

Value

Info

Organisation

DOC East Coast

Central government organisation

Location

North Island ▷ Tairāwhiti Gisborne ▷ Lake Waikaremoana

Categories

Walking
Free

Directions

To Coordinates

Coordinates

-38.7577985227627

177.152101898193

Latitude
-38.7577985227627
Longitude
177.152101898193

Feature	Value	Info
Track Length	Up to 500m Track Length What is the physical length of this track? Up to 500m	Track Length What is the physical length of this track? Up to 500m
Track Duration	10 to 30mins Track Duration How long does it take to walk this track on average? 10 to 30mins	Track Duration How long does it take to walk this track on average? 10 to 30mins
Track Difficulty	Easy walk Track Difficulty Considering the track's terrain, safety, facilities - how hard is this walk to complete? Easy walk	Track Difficulty Considering the track's terrain, safety, facilities - how hard is this walk to complete? Easy walk
Payment Requirement	Free access/participation Payment Requirement Is there a cost for this experience or is it free? Free access/participation The experience costs no money to access or take part in.	Payment Requirement Is there a cost for this experience or is it free? Free access/participation The experience costs no money to access or take part in.
Large Vehicle Access	Large vehicle accessible Large Vehicle Access Can large vehicles such as motorhomes, housebuses and caravans gain access? Large vehicle accessible The site is accessible with large vehicles such as motorhomes and 5th wheelers.	Large Vehicle Access Can large vehicles such as motorhomes, housebuses and caravans gain access? Large vehicle accessible The site is accessible with large vehicles such as motorhomes and 5th wheelers.
Disabled Access	No disabled access Disabled Access Does this location provide disabled access? No disabled access This location does not provide access for wheelchairs.	Disabled Access Does this location provide disabled access? No disabled access This location does not provide access for wheelchairs.
Crowd Factor	Lesser Known Crowd Factor How crowded is this place usually? Lesser Known Usually has less people visiting	Crowd Factor How crowded is this place usually? Lesser Known Usually has less people visiting
Track Managing Organisation	DOC Managed Track Managing Organisation What type of organisation operates this walking track? DOC Managed This track is managed by the Department of Conservation. DOC is a New Zealand government organisation.	Track Managing Organisation What type of organisation operates this walking track? DOC Managed This track is managed by the Department of Conservation. DOC is a New Zealand government organisation.