Leigh Scenic Reserve has the oldest kauri tree on the North Shore, Auckland. The tree is estimated to be over 800 years old, placing it in the same age bracket as the largest trees in Cascade Kauri in the Waitākere Ranges. Access to the reserve is through Lynn Reserve, a park and playground on Lynn Road in the suburb of Bayview, north of Birkenhead. The track has been substantially upgraded with boardwalks to protect the kauri from dieback disease.
From Lynn Road, follow the path through the grassed Lynn Reserve to the entrance to the Leigh Scenic Reserve. The track continues through a narrow strip of forest with an excellent mix of kauri trees by age and size. After a short distance, you will come to a branch in the track. Follow one, then return and take the other. Both have substantial trees, but the ancient is on the more northerly branch. Return the same way.
Allow about 30 minutes for the walk. Parking would be easy to find next to Lynn Reserve on the road.
