Le Roys Bush Loop

Saying that you are going for a walk in the bush in urban Auckland, may sound like an oxymoron, however, that is one of the many wonderful aspects of walking in Auckland – you never have to go far to find native bush.

Home » North Island » Auckland Region » North Shore » Northcote » Le Roys Bush Loop

Kauri Glen Reserve lives up to it’s name and Le Roys Bush follows a stream downhill to the restored wetlands of Little Shoal Bay, Northcote (which was once a tidal estuary filled with mangroves).

NOTE: Please stick to the open tracks. There is still some kauri dieback work being done on the track from Le Roys Terrace so that part remains closed.

This morning the sun was out (as well as the tide!), which made it a very pleasant and warm winter’s day. Some of the smaller tracks are wet, muddy and slippery so if that doesn’t fit with you, then I suggest that you save them for a summer walk. The loop walk we have documented keeps you on the drier paths and boardwalks.

Quick facts about this walk

The Hobbiton Movie Set Day Tour - From Auckland

We were rewarded with sunlight filtering through the native trees, the sound of the bubbling stream and the songs of the native birds – we could have been deep in the bush instead of in the middle of urban residences!

Kauri Glen is one of the oldest bush reserves on the Shore (measures about 25 acres and first sizeable piece of land that was placed under public management) which includes trees such as taraire, totara, kauri, tawa, rewarewa and maire. Kiekie and nikau are abundant in this sub-tropical rainforest. Smaller species of note are pate and karapapa. The area is alive with the likes of tui, fantails and moreporks.

Little Shoal Bay Reserve is a great place to start and finish at – with plenty of parking and a fun looking children’s playground. Dogs must be kept on leash to protect the flora and fauna.

Alternatively, you could begin your walk at Birkenhead, 31-45 Birkenhead Avenue.

Pop into the Ravenhill Cafe & Restaurant for a coffee or lunch.

Please protect our Kauri. Clean ALL dirt off your shoes and dogs feet BEFORE you arrive. Spray feet on entering and leaving. Dogs on leash at all times. Keep to the tracks. Enjoy your walk.

***Please note: Part of this track has been temporarily closed due to Kauri Dieback, but there is an alternative route around it that is still open.

Photos from my walk along the Le Roys Bush Loop

More of my walks near Northcote, North Shore, Auckland

Helen Wenley

This project began in 2011. My friend Grace was the walk creator – with her knowledge of Auckland, she could “see” circular routes, and then it was up to me to map out, photograph, research and document the routes. At first, I relied upon my voice recorder and Google maps but then with the advancement of technology, the smart phone became a best friend and I was able to track our route. The best fun was when we were both pleasantly surprised by what there was to see. Beautiful wetlands, views and bush kept us inspired to explore more.