849 Totoro Road, Mahoenui, Waitomo

Mahoenui and the Giant Weta Scientific Reserve

Waitomo Community Halls

Though the name of the area would indicate that it is a home of giant trees (Mahoe = a native tree, nui= large), Mahoenui is actually the home of the giant weta. Weta are insects unique to New Zealand and this variety is the largest, a large adult weighing the same amount as a mouse. It was long known that there were weta larger than the the commonly seen species, but they remained elusive for much of the twentieth century until one of these was spotted in a stand of original Tawa forest at Mahoenui in 1962. Unlike comon weta, both males and females present in two distinct colours, dark brown or quite bright yellow. One female was even discovered with one yellow side and one dark brown side.

The New Zealand Department of Conservation (DoC) purchased this 240 hectare block in 1990, and scientists learned more about the fearsome-looking, but usually harmless creature. Fortunately they responded well to the department's care and offshoot populations have since been relocated to other protected North Island areas. More weta were later found in gorse near to Mahoenui, demonstrating their innate hardiness, but also providing an inspiration for the reserve. Now most of the reserve is gorse covered, as this discourages predators like rats, stoats and hedgehogs. The weta sanctuary is not on the road and visitors are admitted by permit with DoC.

The town of Mahoenui has its own claim to fame, a very popular annual pig-hunt, and also has a tidy 1954 version of the classic New Zealand War Memorial Hall.

Image Credits: Amanda Haigh, Department of Conservation; and David Baldock Photographer

Location

Directions

Nearby this Place

Explore

Featured Nearby

Nearby Community Halls

Marokopa Tiny Library

Marokopa Tiny Library

33.8 km

View
The Railway House

The Railway House

36.0 km 2

View

Featured Nearby

You May Also Like

1340 State Hwy 3 Rest Area
1340 State Hwy 3 Rest Area

Mahoenui, Waitomo

6.8 km