Ancient kauri log at Gumdiggers Park

Posted by travel memo on 13 December 2011 | 0 Comments

Tags: ancient giant kauri log, Gumdiggers Park, Awanui

An ancient giant kauri log is now on display at Gumdiggers Park in Awanui, 25km north of Kaitaia in the Far North. The log was found earlier this year while excavating three smaller kauri logs buried beneath a sandstone layer at the park. The ancient tree has a girth of 9 metres and is 12 metres long. It is estimated to be around 100,000 years old and was on the same level as other buried preserved trees which were once part of a vast kauri forest on the Aupouri Peninsula.

Gumdiggers Park owner John Johnston is excited about the new addition. “Over the years we keep improving the park. This year we have built a new viewing platform and expanded our video hut to enhance the story of the gum diggers and the ancient kauris. This new giant log display will allow our visitors to get up right close to one these ancient giants. People can actually touch the tree.” www.gumdiggerspark.co.nz