Kennedys Bush Reserve

Kennedy's Bush Reserve is on the section of the Crater Rim Walkway between the Sign of the Kiwi and Coopers Knob. This scenic reserve was gazetted in 1906 in association with Harry Ell's Summit Road using the powers of the Scenery Preservation Act of 1903.

This Act was the foundation for New Zealand's system of parks and reserves. Eleven years later, Riccarton Bush was protected under it's own legislation, thanks again to Mr Ell, and Jane Deans, and Leonard Cockayne.

Kennedy's Bush has become a suburb, but the tops of the hills remain forever protected and the network of walkways up here are enjoyed by visitors. The Kennedy's Bush walk is only about an hour long, starting at Halswell Quarry, or Kennedy's Bush Road, but there are many others to choose from, of a variety of lengths. The Summit Road Society now works to continue the work in the name of Mr Ell, they are especially concerned with Possum trapping, and looking after the plantlife.

Image Credits: Daniel Vorndran and Melissa Hutchinson, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/