Te Matua Ngahere, Ancient kauri tree in Waipoua Forest, New Zealand

Te Matua Ngahere is a giant kauri (Agathis australis) in Waipoua Forest, Northland, New Zealand. Its trunk measures 16.41 metres in girth and 10.21 metres to the first branches, with a total height of 29.9 metres and an estimated volume of 208.1 cubic metres. The bark is deeply fissured and knobby, with moss, ferns and epiphytes in the crevices and a dark hollow high on the right side.

The tree was discovered in 1928 by Nicholas Yakas during a survey for building State Highway 12. This chance discovery later led to the forest being protected as a special reserve.

The Māori name Te Matua Ngahere means "Father of the Forest". The tree is greatly revered by Māori and is watched over by local Māori Guardians. It is a remnant of the ancient rainforest that once covered the North Auckland Peninsula, and orchids, clubmoss and a rata tree have grown on it.

A well-maintained walking path of about 730 meters leads from the parking area to the tree and is easy to follow. Along the way, viewing platforms are designed to keep visitors off the sensitive root system.

Scientists estimate the tree is between 2,000 and 4,000 years old, making it one of New Zealand's oldest living organisms. This wide age range shows how hard it is to pinpoint the exact age of such ancient trees.