Shakespear Regional Park, Nature reserve at Whangaparaoa Peninsula, New Zealand
Shakespear Regional Park is a nature reserve on Whangaparaoa Peninsula covering roughly 500 hectares. The land features coastal cliffs, native forest, wetlands, and sheltered bays along Auckland's shoreline.
The Shakespear family acquired the land in 1883 when Sir Robert Hamilton purchased the estate for his grandson Robert Shakespear. The property was later converted into a public reserve to protect the region's natural heritage.
The area holds significance for Kawerau hapū Ngāti Kahu, who maintained settlements around Te Haruhi Bay and Army Bay until the 1890s.
The park has three main walking trails: Heritage Trail, Lookout Track, and Tiri Tiri Track that connect different areas. Visitors should prepare for varied terrain and bring weather protection, especially when exploring the exposed coastal sections.
A special barrier roughly 1.7 kilometers long has protected a section of the park since 2011 as a refuge for kiwi birds, lizards, and migratory species. This enclosed area allows threatened wildlife to thrive in a managed environment.
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