Note – 12 Oct 2023: This track is currently closed due to a new upgrade. There will be a fabulous 3 metre wide concrete walkway when finished, how exciting.

On top of that, some of the signposts within Birkenhead Domain were confusing – giving opposing time and directions. Having a map with us did prevent us going around in circles!  It did turn out to be a wonderful bush walk and the birdsong was great to hear.

Quick facts about this walk

Walk time: approx. 1 hour 10 mins
Distance: about 5.84 kms
Parking: Mahara Avenue, off Highbury Bypass.
Track: Mostly level paths with some steps and steep inclines.
Difficulty: Suitable for most ages and levels of fitness and mobility, designed with sturdy flat shoes or running shoes in mind.
Dog Friendly: There is a dogs off leash exercise area
Highlights: Bush and stream.
FREE Map: Download your FREE map of this walk
The Hobbiton Movie Set Day Tour - Ex Auckland

The Hobbiton Movie Set Day Tour - From Auckland

Our third attempt with a more detailed map and a pen to take notes kept us on track and now we can document this walk with clear instructions.

Eskdale Reserve and Birkenhead Domain have native trees, nikau palms and ti-trees. The sounds of the bush and the stream give you the illusion of remoteness until you emerge at Birkenhead Cemetery.

The main track is in good repair, and the minor tracks have loose stones and roots. Sturdy shoes are recommended. Expect mud in winter!

Nearby cafes in Highbury Shopping Centre or Sausalito at Northcote. Dogs off leash exercise area within Birkenhead Domain (check signs). No playgrounds.

Photos from my walk along the Eskadale and Highbury Reserves

More of my walks near Eskadale, North Shore, Auckland

Bench park and walk path

Totaravale Reserves

The Totaravale Reserves loop walk loosely follows a route documented by Margaret Scrymgeour from her booklet “Explore the Shore”.
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couple 2 dogs with view beach

Mairangi Bay Loops

The clifftop and beach loop walks starting at Campbells Bay and taking in Mairangi Bay, and Murrays Bay and part of Rothesay Bay on Auckland’s ...
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Meadowood Reserves Loop

Meadowood Reserves Loop

The Meadowood Reserves loop walk follows a route documented by Margaret Scrymgeour from her booklet “Explore the Shore”.
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little stream bridge native bush

Greenhithe Loop Walk

Today we finally got to walk and discover just what a diverse and interesting place Greenhithe is
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Looking down at the stairs on the Beach Haven Coastal Walk

Beach Haven Coastal Walk

The Beach Haven coastal walk on Auckland’s North Shore hugs to the coastline with views to Bayview, Hobsonville Point and the bush that runs alongside ...
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Centennial Park Walking Tracks

Centennial Park Walking Tracks

Centennial Park (inland from Campbells Bay on Auckland’s North Shore) is a very large reserve that contains a regenerating native forest.
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Rosedale Park Path

Unsworth Heights Native Bush to Beautiful Rosedale Park

The Unsworth Heights to Rosedale Park walkway is a spectacular ‘there & back’ walk with many activities and options for variety to make it a ...
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Heritage Trail – Shakespear Regional Park - Auckland

Heritage Trail – Shakespear Regional Park

3.9 km • 2 hours • Medium
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Lookout Track – Shakespear Regional Park

Lookout Track – Shakespear Regional Park

2.5 km • 1 hour • Medium
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Wenderholm Perimeter Track

Wenderholm Perimeter Track

4.6 km • 1.5 hours • Medium
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Couldrey House Lookout - Wenderholm Regional Park - Auckland - Copyright Freewalks.nz

Couldrey House Lookout – Wenderholm Regional Park

0.6 km • 15 minutes • Medium
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Te Akeake Walk – Wenderholm Regional Park - Auckland - Copyright Freewalks.nz

Wenderholm Te Akeake Walk

1.8 km • 30 minutes • Easy walk down the long sandy beach and enjoy the great coastal views.
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