Chatwood Reserve's Ancient Kauri
Chatwood Reserve lies in a steep valley within the suburb of Chatswood on the North Shore of Auckland. This hidden gem is home to impressive kauri trees, some over 400 years old. It is the best stand of kauri trees in Auckland, outside of the Cascades in the Waitākere Ranges. The reserve offers a series of short walks that connect with the surrounding suburban streets, allowing visitors to explore the forested landscape. Boardwalks and bridges protect the ancient trees, guiding visitors through the valley shaped by Duck Creek as it flows towards Chelsea Estate Heritage Park.
Unique Flora of Chatwood Reserve
A distinctive feature of Chatwood Reserve is the coexistence of beech trees within the kauri forest. This unusual combination of cool-climate beech and warm-climate kauri was characteristic of the North Shore's forests before European settlement. This unique botanical mix enhances the reserve's appeal, offering a glimpse into the area's natural history.
Navigating the Tracks
Accessing the reserve's walks can be challenging due to outdated track information. Many tracks were closed due to kauri dieback, and while maps still show the original network, some parts are permanently closed. When last checked, most newly opened sections were still marked as closed on the Auckland City kauri dieback map.
One section, between Ravenstone Place and David Beattie Place towards Homewood Place, is a rough tramping track with a short scramble through mud and tree roots. This track connects to a path around the Duck Creek lakes in Chelsea Estate Heritage Park and to upgraded kauri tracks linking Langstone Place, Portsea Place, and Homewood Place. Direct access from these streets to the upgraded tracks is easier, and exploring this pocket of kauri forest takes about 20 minutes.
Additional Walking Routes
Another walking route through the reserve is located further north, between Fitzpatrick Place and Mappin Place. However, you will need to navigate side streets to connect with the lower sections.
How to Get There
The most direct access to Chatwood Reserve is via Chelsea View Drive, from Mokoia Road to Portsea Place or Homewood Place. Alternatively, you can enter the reserve from Chelsea Estate Heritage Park by walking around either side of the Duck Creek lakes and ponds from Colonial Drive, though this route is not well signposted.
Nearby, Kauri Point Centennial Park at the end of Chelsea View Drive is a superb option. You can link this to Chatswood Reserve and Chelsea Estate Heritage Park to create a longer 90-minute loop walk, as well as accessing Kendall Beach and visiting the historic pā site at Kauri Point / Te Mātā-rae-o-Mana. Other options for visiting pockets of forest on the North Shore include Le Roys Bush, Kauri Glen Reserve, and Eskdale Reserve.