Le Roys Bush, Auckland

Le Roys Bush is a forest reserve in Birkenhead spanning 12 hectares of natural landscape with a network of walking trails and wooden boardwalks. The terrain connects Highbury to Little Shoal Bay Reserve and runs through a creek valley.

Edward Le Roy purchased the land in 1918 and named it Urutapu while creating ponds for water lilies. He worked to manage flooding issues affecting the property.

The northern valley carries the name Te Uruwao, which early Māori people gave to this area. Visitors can see a stream that forms a high waterfall within the reserve today.

The walking trail is about 4 kilometers with steep wooden stairs and raised boardwalks taking roughly 60 minutes to complete the full circuit. Good footwear and adequate time are important since the path climbs steeply in sections.

The stream received the name Te Wai Manawa in 2015 following consultations with local mana whenua representatives. This naming change shows the ongoing connection between the site and Māori communities in the area.

Location: Auckland

GPS coordinates: -36.81290,174.73210

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:02