Sunday morning AH Reed Memorial Park

An exploration of the native bush together with a canopy walk through a Kauri stand brings New Zealand flora and fauna as a counterpoint to the cultivated gardens viewed yesterday. AH Reed Memorial Park is a remnant of the original Northland kauri forest. Visitors are privileged with views of kauri from the canopy walk where the giants of the forest are protected from kauri dieback disease and feet trafficking on their root system. The canopy walk is over the Waikoromiko stream, is 14 metres above ground and over 70 metres long. The park is a local favourite with dogs on a leash, people enjoying the cool bush in the heat of summer. There are plaques throughout the park describing the flora and fauna.

The AH Reed Memorial Park’s 500-year-old maturing kauri trees can be viewed from a boardwalk through the forest canopy. The bubbling Wai Koromiko Stream runs through the middle of the park and the Paranui Falls, at over 23 metres high, are well worth a visit. Wheelchair access is an easy 2km 1 hour return walk. There are plaques throughout the park describing the flora and fauna as well as signs indicating track directions. Check track up to date status before departing.

There are three car parks for visitors to use. The main Lower Car Park is on the left, 1.5km from the turn into Whareora Road, the Middle Car Park for less able visitors is a further 300 metres on the left and the Upper Car Park just off Clapham Road, is another 300 metres along the road. No dogs allowed.