A lasting sanctuary in a sea of farmland, Trounson Kauri Park offers some of Northland’s most impressive remaining giants.

Half an hour from Dargaville, the well-presented park is a humbling stroll back in time which keeps your eyes fixed ever upwards.

Almost entirely boardwalked, and with a comprehensive kauri dieback station which all but forces you to clean your footwear, it’s a safe way to observe this threatened taonga.

The 1.7km loop track won’t raise a sweat, but the breathtaking kauri will last in memory.

When you stand awe-struck before a 1200-year-old specimen, it’s hard to comprehend how any industry could be worth the lives of so many giants.

A weta box – full on my visit – is a neat addition to the walk, and the likelihood of spotting North Island brown kiwi at night is high, according to comments in the visitor’s book.

I saw my first wild kiwi here within 10 minutes of entering the park after dusk – an emotional moment I’ll never forget.