027 550 0611Identifying trees is a great introduction to Northlands native trees
Most people walking through our native forests have a limited knowledge of individual tree species. Once they become aware of how diversified and complex our forests are, a fascinating new world opens up.
The aim is for students to see individual plants, not just a forest and not only understand that plant’s role in the forest ecosystem but how it was used by Maori.
The trail is set up for typical New Zealanders and others to gain an insight into our native species. Many of the obvious questions we amateurs ask are answered here in a simple format.
How to identify the trees and plants
Take a cell phone and as you walk the trail, you will see plaques along the trail. Simply click on the links below and you will have access to informative web pages including videos, identifying pictures and sections making it easier to, for example, work out which ponga is that (in many cases it may not be one!)
The Tangihua nature trail
The aim is for students to see individual plants, not just a forest and understand that particular plant’s role in the forest ecosystem.
We have built a comprehensive learning experience about Northland bush and conservation issues.
- tree identification
- easy to access information on individual species online on site
- a conservation trapping line for schools
- a pest monitoring line for schools
Tangihua Nature Trail was built by the Department of Conservation as a teaching tool for those interested in Northland’s bush. In order to include more species we have extended the trail.
The trail is on an old track used for hauling Kauri logs. The bush is regenerating plus there are some old original trees. There are a number of kauri stumps and heads also regenerating.
There are signs at the base of a variety of New Zealand native trees. The signs not only name and describe individual species but provide information about their usage, by birds, Maori and early Europeans.
Nature trail ecosystems and differing plant examples
Amongst the almost 150 plant species on the trail we have a wide range of Northland native plants.
Four different ratas, three different cabbage trees, the three stages of the kauri tree and much more.
There is a range of ecosystems:
- Areas of old forest
- Areas of first regenerating forest
- Areas of second regenerating forest
- High dry ridge tops
- Lower wetter areas by streams
- Flat area in between 3 and 4
There are a wide range of examples of plants and also how some plants vary.
- Species: Three different cabbage trees, four different tree ferns, four different Ratas, the three stages of the kauri tree and much, much more
- Leaf size: Some plants of the same species, when growing in the shade, have much bigger leaves than those growing in direct sunlight
- Plant structure: Trees in shade tend to grow straight with fewer branches on the trunk while those in the open are more bushy, e.g. totara
Access
The Nature Trail (blue dotted line) has been extended to follow part of the Horokaka track to the road and back to the beginning to include more trees and make a loop.
It is an easy walk, suitable for all age and fitness levels. The Tangihua Nature Walk is accessed from the Tangihua Lions Lodge road.
You will come across the following markers
Unless you are involved in a project do not follow them. Stay on the track and follow the orange DOC markers.
Plant identification and information
We have built a website to provide information on the trees and plants.
Holding your phone on its side makes easier reading
Click on the links, use your back arrow to return to this page
Links
About the forest
Regenerating forest
Juvenile trees
Tangihua Geography
Kauri logging
Akapuka
Bush Lawyer
Cabbage tree
Clematis
Ferns
Hangehange
Horopito
Kahikatea
Kaikomako
Kanuka
Karaka
Kauri
Kawaka
Kawakawa
Kiekie
Kohekohe
Kōtukutuku
Kowhai
Lancewood
Maire
Makomako
Mamaku
Mamangi
Manuka
Maukoro
Mingimingi
Miro
Neinei
Nikau
Orchids
Pate
Pukatea
Puriri
Putputaweta
Ratas about
Rata diffusa
Rata Scarlet
Rata tree
Rata White
Rewarewa
Rimu
Spleenworts
Supplejack
Tanekaha
Tanguru
Taraire
Taurepo
Tawa
Titoki
Toetoe
Totara
Towai
Tree ferns, Punga
Tutu
There is range of tracks suitable for all age groups and fitness levels
Anyone staying at the school camp or just wanting to tramp for a day can use them.
The tramps ensure that the Tangihua Lions Lodge, sitting in a secluded clearing in the Tangihua ranges Northland, is an ideal spot for school camps or for any other group wishing to explore or learn about New Zealand Native Bush.
For more information about the other tramps available see here
You may be interested in our conservation project to restore the forest, if so visit conservation
For more information on individual tramps visit the pages below
The Tangihua Lions Lodge Nature Walk
Tangihua Lions Lodge Access Road
Kauri Dam walk
The Kauri Grove walk
The Horokaka Track
The Tangihua Main Ridge Track
Te Haua Uru Track
Whakapono and Tumanako loop track
