Robin Kroener's Photographic Journal: NZ Kauri Trees
"Four Sisters"
or Large Ladies
And these aren't the largest of NZ's protected kauri trees! The largest kauri is 1200 years old. These large sisters are located in the Waipoua Forest on the North Island. Their enormous size prevents a camera from doing them justice.
Kauri shed their lower branches as they grow upward, leaving no trace of where those branches once existed. Upon reaching a good height above other vegetation, it stops shedding and branches begin reaching outward, creating a canopy. Many other plant species live within, and are supported by, this canopy. The kauri's root systems are very fragile, spreading out just beneath the ground's surface. The wood is a hard wood, typically used for shipbuilding and furniture making in the past. Supply today is limited due to the protection these giant wonders enjoy.
Kauri Trees
Photo by Robin Kroener
More Kauri Trees
Photo by Robin Kroener