Hug a tree in Pahi

While Tāne Māhuta may steal most of the limelight, another large tree has spent more than a century watching time pass on the Kauri Coast. Pahi's moreton bay fig (Ficus macrophylla) has a slightly blurry history.

The signs say it was planted about 1840, but the New Zealand Tree Register gives it a marginally younger date of 1865. Either way, it is at least a century and a half old.

The fig is of international significance, considered one the largest of its kind worldwide; and is included in the finest examples of the species outside its native Australia. Its branches stretch to a height of just under 30m, with a circumference of about 15m and a spread of 51m (2011 statistics). A tree of such size is hard to miss but — just in case — it's on the Pahi waterfront near the campground. Take Pahi Road from the turnoff near Paparoa and follow to the end.