Brooklyn Recreation Reserve

Just a few minutes drive west of Motueka, down Brooklyn Valley Road, you’ll discover the Brooklyn Reserve.

The Reserve itself covers over four and half hectares, much of which is in forest. The land was set aside for public use in the 1950s and was classified as a recreation reserve in 1980. There’s a flat grassed area and gravel car park at the roadside and then the Reserve covers the foothills up to about 120 metres. On the flat area there are picnic tables, some swings, a see saw and a public toilet, making it an ideal spot for a peaceful family picnic.

Walking

The major drawcard for the Brooklyn Reserve is the walking track that starts at the car park and leads up to a fantastic look out, giving commanding views of the Motueka River Plain, Motueka and Tasman Bay. The track winds its way through the beautiful beech forest that remains on the foothills. There’s also regenerating forest dominated by kanuka.

Plantings

Many native species of plants and trees can be found within the Reserve and it is quite highly prized as an area with great conservation and regeneration potential. Some plantings on the Reserve have been planted by the pupils of Brooklyn School, who have been involved with Arbour Day planting projects.