The Tony Bouzaid Kauri tree at Glenfern Sanctuary is famous because it is one of the largest and oldest on Aotea The Barrier. It is estimated to be more than 600 years old and stands 30 metres high.  

This native tree can grow up to 50 metres tall, with massive trunk girths of up to 16 metres. This makes it one of New Zealand's tallest native tree species. You'll often notice other plants, known as as epiphytes, growing in their upper branches. It is the third largest conifer in the world, and scientifically important due to its unique biological traits.

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Visitors can experience the beauty and majesty of this ancient Kauri tree up close! They can walk across the bridge and stand in the crown of this ancient tree.

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Kauri trees are considered a tāonga (treasure) and sacred for Māori with significant cultural and spiritual significance. Their distinctive reddish-brown wood was prized for its durability; used for construction, boatbuilding and furniture making. As a result, these trees have been exploited over the years leading to a decline in numbers. 

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Kauri dieback caused by a pathogen that infects the roots of the trees has been a significant threat. There are now strict bio-security measures to prevent the spread of this disease. 

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Estimates suggest that today there are approximately 40,000 mature kauri trees left in the country. This represents a significant decline from the millions of trees that once existed, with logging and kauri dieback disease being the primary causes of their loss.

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Conservation efforts and community initiatives aim to protect and preserve these remaining majestic trees for future generations. 

How to tell the age of a Kauri

Researchers want to accurately age kauri trees and gain a better understanding of their growth patterns and longevity.
You can count growth rings to estimate their age. This method involves taking a core sample or cutting a small section of tree to examine the rings. Each ring represents a year of growth.
Radio-carbon dating. This method involves taking a sample to a tree’s wood and analysing its radiocarbon content to determine its age.

Dendrochronology

Scientists can estimate the tree’s age and gain insights into past environmental conditions through analysing patterns of growth rings.