Primary podocarp/tawa forest in Rararimu Stream Scenic Reserve, Moeatoa, King Country, that was probably established more than 1000 years ago, before Maori settlement.   Off the image to the left, there is one of the largest living kahikatea, with a trunk diameter of 2.4 metres.   On the right side of the image are two large kahikatea towering high above the main canopy, illustrating the top emergent canopy of five layers of New Zealand podocarp forest.   Kahikatea can live for up to 750 years, but the size of these old trees suggest a longer life.   Photo Copyright © Graeme Woodhouse 2009   Page Copyright © TerraNature Trust 2009