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Giant kauri trees once covered northern New Zealand and their timber helped shape the country's colonial beginnings.

Matakohe, on the 'Kauri Coast' is the starting point for a 3 hour trip into a vibrant past, led by fifth-generation descendents of kauri millers and bushmen.

Meet us near the Kauri Museum at 10am or 1:30pm daily and jump into the Kauri Country 4WD.

On this eco tour, see 600-year-old trees, hear the bushmen's stories, watch a mighty bullock team at work, drink billy tea and dig for kauri gum.

We take a maximum of eight people per trip, so bookings are essential.

Make your way to Matakohe (140km north of Auckland, off State Highway 1) and we'll take it from there.