The Kaipatiki Local Board​ has approved a mammoth programme of bush track and connection projects.
This includes work to upgrade closed tracks to kauri dieback-prevention standard so we can reopen them. We are also investigating alternative non-kauri recreational routes for people to enjoy, including a coastal walkway between Tui Park and Shepherds Park (going out for public consultation in August/September), a connection between the two halves of Birkenhead War Memorial Park, and the Awataha Greenway* in Northcote. This is the largest investment we’ve had in new and upgraded connections in Kaipātiki and will go a long way in improving our neglected bush tracks 🙂

Here is a list of the tracks and paths approved for either construction or investigation over the next 12 months:

• Birkenhead War Memorial Park – new walking/cycling connection from Recreational Drive to Mahara Ave
• Chatswood Reserve – upgrade of closed tracks and bridge
• Chelsea Estate Heritage Park – continue to upgrade all tracks; also realign path (where slip happened) and replace bridge from Colonial Road to Chelsea Sugar factory & cafe
• Eskdale Reserve/Birkenhead Domain – stage 2 of track upgrade work throughout the park network
• Fern Glen Native Gardens – renew the upper meadow pathway
• Fordham St to Lanigan St Bridge – replacement of bridge destroyed by fire
• Hellyers Creek Reserve – upgrade of tracks and investigation of new connections
• Kauri Glen Reserve/Cecil Eady Reserve – upgrade of tracks (Note: the re-routed section 18 is due to open soon)
• LeRoy’s Bush Reserve – stage 2 of track upgrade work (Note: the waterfall track is due to reopen in a few weeks)
• Leigh Scenic Reserve – upgrade of tracks, including rerouting of track away from 800 year old kauri tree
• Monarch Park – creation of a new “nature trail” through the northern bush area (investigation and design this year)
• Northcote Awataha Greenway* – connection from Jessie Tonar Scout Reserve, through Northcote Town Centre, behind schools, to new housing development area (investigation and design this year)
• Onepoto Domain – realignment of path away from edge of pond to minimise flooding
• Rangatira Reserve – upgrade of tracks at northern end of park, including connection to Birkenhead College
• Rewi Alley Reserve – replacement of paths, bridge and boardwalk around pond
• Shepherds Park – upgrade of bush tracks
• Smiths Bush Scenic Reserve/Kitewao St Esplanade Reserve – Repair bridge over pond and construct new connection to Kitewao St
• Soldier’s Bay Reserve – renew access track
• Standish Reserve – renew connection from Pemberton Ave to coastal bush walk
• Tui Park to Shepherds Park coastal walkway connection (public consultation due August/September)
• Tuff Crater Reserve – St Peter’s Street boardwalk reconfiguration and new lookout

Funded by the Kaipatiki Local Board. Some track upgrades part-funded by the Natural Environment Targeted Rate (NETR).

* The Northcote Awataha Greenway project is a collaboration between the Local Board, Hobsonville Land Company, Healthy Waters, Panuku and Auckland Council.