Exploring Wai Manawa / Le Roys Reserve
Wai Manawa / Le Roys Reserve is located on the North Shore of Auckland, with a unique blend of lowland forest and wetlands. This natural haven stretches between Onewa Road to the north and Hinemoa Street to the south. It provides a lovely green escape with its regenerating native forest, including kauri, rimu, puriri, and tōtara trees.
Walking the Track
The reserve is easily accessible from near Birkenhead village, with entrances at 212 Onewa Road and 135 Hinemoa Street. The southeast end of the reserve connects with Little Shoal Bay, a picturesque spot on the Waitematā Harbour.
The main attraction of Wai Manawa / Le Roys Reserve is the track that runs from Little Shoal Bay to Birkenhead. This path follows a creek, forming a significant wetland area in the lower section. As you ascend towards Birkenhead, the track leads into a section of more mature native forest. The track is mostly on boardwalks and takes about 30 minutes to walk at a leisurely pace.
Scenic Views and Attractions
In Birkenhead village, you can visit the Kaimataara ō Wai Manawa viewing platform. This spot offers stunning views of the reserve, Rangitoto Island, and southeast Auckland. Little Shoal Bay is another appealing destination within the reserve, featuring a picnic area, a small beach suitable for swimming at high tide, and a playground.
Historical Background
The steep northwest end of Le Roys Bush was historically known as Te Uruwao by early Māori. In 1918, Edward Le Roy purchased the valley and named it Urutapu. He developed three ponds in the valley's flat section, adding water lilies and goldfish, and piped the stream under the ponds to prevent flooding. Le Roy also created tracks and planted many native species, including some from Great Barrier Island.
After he died in 1947, the North Shore Branch of the Forest and Bird Society raised funds to purchase the valley, which led to its current name. The reserve was expanded in the 1970s to include Little Shoal Bay, following local protests against the Birkenhead Council's use of the area as a dump.
In 2015, consultations with local Māori led to the establishment of the lookout and the stream being identified as Te Wai Manawa, which was incorporated into the reserve's Māori name.
Getting to Wai Manawa / Le Roys Reserve
To reach Wai Manawa / Le Roys Reserve from Downtown Auckland, take the northern motorway over the harbour bridge, then shortly after the Onewa Road off-ramp. Head west, and there is an entrance at 212 Onewa Road, not far from the Birkenhead village. For those starting at the southeast end, Little Shoal Bay in Northcote provides another entry point. This can be accessed from Onewa Road via Queen Street, then Rodney Road. Either option is a 10 to 12-minute drive and around 10 km.
Other forest parks around the southern side of North Shore include Kauri Glen Reserve, Chatswood Reserve, Kauri Point Centennial Park and Eskdale Reserve Network.
