Update on the search for New Zealand's tallest trees: Peter Wayman from Palmers Tauranga reckons New Zealand's tallest Macrocarpa (Cupressus macrocarpa) is growing on a property called 'Bernadene' located in Bethleham (just out of Tauranga). The advertising blurb certainly substantiates the claim - and goes even further to say the Bernadene Macrocarpa is the tallest in the Southern Hemisphere.
Not to be outdone Paul Green from Grows on You in Thames says there are some Eucalyptus Regnans down Otago way that are the tallest trees in New Zealand. This Eucalyptus variety is also known as the Mountain Ash, Victorian Ash, Swamp Gum, Tasmanian Oak or Stringy Gum, and is a native to southeastern Australia, in Tasmania and Victoria. Apparently it can reach heights of over 100 metres and is one of the tallest tree species in the world. Arborist legend has it that an arb tutor and some students from Otago have climbed this tree - we'd like to know more please.Laurie Jeys, also from Palmers Tauranga
told us about a Pohutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa) growing somewhere on the Awhitu Peninsula that is claimed to be the tallest in new Zealand (Laurie says Wayne Aspen knows its whereabouts - again, more information please).
And finally, it appears people can't see the three climbers (Drew, Johno and Matt) in the tall Kauri! We've blown the picture up (below) to prove they are real - the sheer size of the tree makes them seem insignificant.
