Kaingaroa Forest

Kaingaroa Forest is a large pine plantation located in the Bay of Plenty Region, stretching across the landscape between Lake Taupo and Kawerau on the North Island. The forest consists of millions of trees planted in organized rows, predominantly Douglas fir and radiata pine species arranged in a managed pattern.

Experimental plantings of Douglas fir and radiata pine began in the early 1900s, with systematic development of the forest undertaken by the government starting in the 1920s. This transformation converted the land into one of the nation's major timber production landscapes.

The name Kaingaroa comes from Māori language meaning 'long area of land', reflecting the traditional bond local tribes held with this territory. Today visitors walking through the trees can sense how indigenous connection to this landscape continues.

The forest headquarters are located roughly 50 kilometers southeast of Rotorua and can be reached via State Highway 38, which passes through the plantation. Since this is an actively managed working forest, visitors should follow on-site guidance and stick to designated paths for safety and to protect the growing trees.

This plantation is the largest forest in New Zealand and ranks second globally among all forest plantations in the Southern Hemisphere. The sheer scale of this operation makes it a remarkable example of large-scale forestry and landscape transformation on a national level.

Location: Bay of Plenty Region

Location: Rotorua District

Elevation above the sea: 392 m

GPS coordinates: -38.75000,176.56700

Latest update: December 10, 2025 15:51