The Chook Tree
Waianakarua, Otago
Amid the rolling green hills of North Otago stands a tree with a story as unique as its shape. Known as The Chook Tree, this grand old macrocarpa (Hesperocyparis macrocarpa) has captured the imagination of passersby for nearly 50 years with its striking resemblance to a giant hen.
The tree’s distinctive form wasn’t planned—it was shaped by nature itself. After a storm in 1978 left behind an unusual silhouette, local poultry farmers Norman and Evelyn Clarke saw potential in what remained. With careful pruning, they helped the tree take on its full, feathery form, creating a landmark that has delighted visitors ever since.
More than just a tree, The Chook Tree is a reminder of creativity, resilience, and the charm of the unexpected.