Moa's Ark : Stamp of the Giants

A postage stamp of the giant kauri Tāne Mahuta offered English TV presenter David Bellamy his first introduction to New Zealand when he was just eight years old. In this episode of Moa’s Ark, Bellamy attempts to hug the nearly 14 metre diameter of the towering tree, and explores Aotearoa's ancient forests and the fight to save them from destruction — including campaigns to save Whirinaki and Puerora Forests, when protestors chained themselves to enormous tōtara to prevent their milling. The episode also features a unique underwater forest, deep under Milford Sound. See the backgrounder for more on Bellamy’s exploration of Aotearoa's unique natural history.

Not all that long ago, the land was covered in trees from the coast almost to the top of the mountains. 

– David Bellamy on the forest of the past in part one

Key Cast & Crew

David Bellamy

Presenter

Ulla Ryghe

Script Editor

Craig McKersey

Camera

Michael Stedman

Executive Producer

Mike Lemmon

Cinematographer

Peter Hayden

Producer, Director