There is an ancient Rātā tree, close to the Āniwaniwa Visitor Centre, about 30 mins walk. It is massive, estimated to be between 800 and 1000 years old.
Difficult to imagine it started out as a vine growing on a host tree. Over time, the vine took over and killed the host, which was a Rimu.
The Rātā is now a whole eco-system in its own right, with many other plants growing on the tree.
From the foot of the tree looking straight up:
