Trounson Kauri Park


Trounson Kauri Park is a mainland island in the Northland Region of New Zealand. Characterised by its Kauri trees, it was named after James Trounson, who gifted the forest to the Department of Conservation.

History

Trounson Kauri Park and its surrounding farmland was heavily felled. Many people wanted the scenic remnants of Kauri to be preserved. In the 1890s, a 3.34 hectare stand of Kauri forest 36 kilometres north of Dargaville was reserved. Sawmiller James Trounson added a further 22 hectares. Trounson Kauri Park was opened in 1921. It was then on ran as a 'Mainland Island'. An intensive pest control programme is restoring its biodiversity. Half of Trounson Kauri Park's trees are infected with Kauri dieback.

Flora and fauna

Trounson Kauri Park is known for its Kauri trees that are common and increasing in the park. Other trees include Rimu, Kowhai, Pigeonwood and Totara.
Native birds such as tui, New Zealand pigeon, morepork, tomtit and grey warbler are common, whilst rarer birds such as North Island kaka and North Island kokako persist in small numbers. Brown kiwi have the highest density population in Northland in the park thanks to the removal of most of the populations of rats, common brushtail possum and stoats.