44 Northcote Road, The Grange, Rodney
Smith's Bush
by Celia Walker
When the kahikatea trees in Smith’s Bush are fruiting in late summer the bush pulsates with birdsong, tui and kereru flocking to feed on the abundant red fruit. Despite being bisected by the by the Northern Motorway in 1952, this remnant stand of kahikatea and puriri still manages to retain a sense of refuge from the surrounding urban area. This is a rare Auckland example of kahikatea forest, making this reserve particularly precious. Kahikatea, New Zealand’s tallest trees, flourish in low-lying wetland areas, a once-widespread habitat that is now scarce across the country owing to clearances for timber (the white timber was sought after for making butter boxes) and drainage of land for agriculture and housing.
The raised boardwalks enable easy access to the 30 minute nature trail, from the entry point by the Takapuna Cricket Club in Onewa Domain off Northcote Road.
Image Credit: Celia Walker
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