Te Waha O Rerekohu - Oldest Pohutukawa Tree

Te Waha o Rerekohu is a magnificent pohutukawa tree located in the grounds of Te Waha o Rerekohu Area School in Te Araroa, New Zealand.

It is believed to be the oldest pohutukawa tree in the country, standing tall for over 600 years. The tree is also known as the "mouth of Rerekohu" and is considered sacred or "tapu" by the local community. It is a spectacular piece of nature, standing at 65 feet tall with its branches spreading over 120 feet all around. The tree is so tapu that when the local school committee decided that one of the lower branches should be cut off to improve the balance of the tree, no one was willing to do the job, and the branch remains.

Visitors can view the mighty ancient tree from Moana Parade along the beachfront at Te Araroa. However, visitors are asked to respect the history of the tree and not climb it. The tree is still strongly tapu today, and climbing it would be disrespectful to the local community and the tree itself.

Te Waha o Rerekohu is thought to be the largest pohutukawa tree in New Zealand, with a branch span of more than 37 meters when measured in 1950. It is a significant historical landmark and a stunning natural wonder that attracts visitors from all over the world. The tree is located in the tiny coastal settlement of Te Araroa, which is also the birthplace of Sir Apirana Ngata, a trailblazer for Maori who made it his life’s goal to uplift the Maori race spiritually, culturally, and economically. To honor Sir Apirana's legacy, his face is now proudly printed on New Zealand's $50 note.

Te Waha o Rerekohu is a must-see attraction for anyone traveling to Tairawhiti Gisborne. Visitors can stop in Te Araroa to admire the oldest pohutukawa tree in the country and then climb up to the lighthouse on the most eastern point of New Zealand. A 22km, mostly unsealed, no-exit road from Te Araroa takes you to the historic East Cape lighthouse, which stands 154 meters above sea level and is accessed by a walking track of some 700 steps. The road to the lighthouse clings to the coastline, and there are numerous sandy beaches and bays to explore along the way.

In summary, Te Waha o Rerekohu is a magnificent and sacred pohutukawa tree that is believed to be the oldest in New Zealand. It is located in the grounds of Te Waha o Rerekohu Area School in Te Araroa and is considered a significant historical landmark and a stunning natural wonder. Visitors can view the tree from Moana Parade along the beachfront at Te Araroa, but climbing the tree is not allowed. The tree is still strongly tapu today, and visitors are asked to respect its history and significance to the local community.