Rewarewa, a talented tree

Poking up from the forest canopy like tall people at a rock concert, Rewarewa trees are prolific along parts of the Queen Charlotte Track.

In late spring they have stunning velvety red and yellow flowers full of sweet nectar, which the bees use to make a delicious dark honey.

In days gone by, Maori used the bark of this tree to stop wounds from bleeding.

The tree is famously hopeless as firewood – European settlers called it “bucket of water tree”.