Pukaha Mount Bruce forest was once part of a much greater forest, stretching from Masterton to Norsewood.

The original European name for the bush was 70 Mile Bush. Documents also show it was referred to as 40 Mile Bush.

As these two names suggest, the forest was a huge green cloak that spread over 40 miles (densely) and 70 miles in total. It was heavily populated with towering species such as rimu, totara, northern rata, tree ferns, shrubs, climbers and herbs.

The Maori name for this forest was Te Tapere Nui o Whatonga.

Pukaha is a Maori word meaning strong winds.

Visit the Forest Trees page find out a little more about these stunning native trees.