Eskdale Reserve Network consists of several connected forest reserves in Birkenhead, adding up to 4 hectares and maintained by the Kaipātiki Project. The largest section, Birkenhead Domain, is roughly in the centre of the North Shore, Auckland. The network of reserves extends the domain to an outlet to the Waitematā Harbour to the northwest.
Several connected walking tracks wind through the domain and connect with a main track that follows the reserves to the coast, along the line of the Kaipãtiki Creek. There are multiple entrances to the network. On the east side, Birkenhead Domain can be accessed from Domain Road, Glenfield Road and Eskdale Road. In the middle of the network, Hiwihau Scenic Reserve can be accessed from Hiwihau Place, and Eskdale Reserve towards the west can be accessed from Eskdale Road and Brunton Place. Francis Kendall Reserve, which reaches the coast, can be accessed from Kaipātiki Road.
The network's forests vary, from regrowth to mature forests, including kauri. It is about 2.5 km to walk the network from end to end by the most direct route, with various sub-loop options with the domain that can be added on, with enormous variation in the forest depending on your choices. A modest waterfall is on the creek near the Eskdale Road entrance to the main track. Also of interest is the nearby Pā Harakeke project.
