Today’s photo showcases Whirinaki Forest, the favourite wild place of Tom McMurtry—one of the lucky winners of our recent New Zealand’s Wild Places giveaway. 

Whirinaki Forest, huge, ancient trees and birdsong everywhere. ~ Tom McMurtry

Whirinaki is packed with amazing tall trees, fast flowing rivers, and is home to an array of native species including a variety of magnificent native podocarps.

The park is about 100 km south east of Rotorua on State Highway 38. It is within a two hour drive of Rotorua, Taupo and Whakatane. Its beauty can be enjoyed through a comprehensive network of walks, tracks and huts.

This photo, of trampers crossing a stream at Whirinaki, was taken by Stefan Marks.

Note: Winners of the New Zealand’s Wild Places giveaway were picked at random.