Jim Barnett Scenic Reserve

The bush in this 25 hectare reserve has been regenerating for over 80 years and is subject to intensive possum control. Perhaps the best thing about this reserve, is that it is a very rare remnant of original bush, protected from the destruction of the Lake Taupo volcano, and the later human impacts upon the bush.

Along with a covenanted section on an adjoining block, it is named Te Waotu tahi nga rakau, the tall forest that stood by itself.

Long after the volcano, Ngati Kahupungapunga and Raukawa came here, but they did not make the mess that the Pakeha did. Logging decimated the Waotu bush, until, by 1920, virtually nothing was left except this bit, which was part of the Barnett farm. Since 1992 it has been under management by a local committee, and worked upon by volunteers.

On the fringes retired pasture has been replanted. There are a couple of easy walking tracks, one of which follows an old tramway for part of its length, this is a shared path with the Waikato River Trail cycleway.

Long departed species such as the North Island Robin are being re-introduced to add to the existing bird life.

There is a camping site.

NZPlaces would love to see your images of this beautiful reserve.