A few years ago, Finlay and I headed out to explore Kauri Glen Reserve on Auckland’s North Shore, curious about a new kind of walk that promised something a little different.
It’s been a few years now since that visit, and it’s definitely time we head back to see how things have settled in.
What made this short walk so memorable, and honestly quite novel at the time, was the chance to move through the treetops themselves. Not just alongside the bush, but right up in it. For us, that kind of immersive experience isn’t always easy to come by.
Opened in April 2024, the treetop walkway brought something entirely new to this small suburban reserve, creating, for the first time, a way for people to move through the forest canopy itself, rather than just beneath it.
Accessibility Snapshot
- Surface: Compacted gravel + boardwalk
- Gradient: Mostly gentle, steeper exit at one end
- Distance: Approx. 1.5km return
- Toilets: Not on site (nearest at Highbury or Greenslade Reserve)
- Parking: Street parking only (limited)
- Best for: Powerchairs, assisted manual wheelchairs, all-terrain buggies
Getting There & Parking
When we first visited, we came in via the Northcote College side, accessed from Kauri Glen Road, just off Onewa Road. The entrance is right on the first corner you come to, which makes it relatively easy to find once you know where you’re going.
At the time, parking was a bit of a challenge. There was a lot of construction happening in the area, and cars were often parked up on footpaths, making navigation with a wheelchair tricky. There wasn’t a dedicated car park, so it was very much a case of finding a spot along nearby streets.
It’ll be interesting to revisit and see if things have improved, particularly whether mobility parks have been added, which would make a big difference.
If driving isn’t ideal, public transport is an option. The number 25 bus stops on Onewa Road, not too far from the reserve.
The Track Experience
We started on a well-formed path made of compacted fine gravel. It was firm under the wheels and designed to compact even further over time with use, something I’m keen to check on when we return.
As the path gently winds into the bush, you’re led towards the highlight: the boardwalk.
And what a boardwalk it is.
Stretching 60 metres and rising 18 metres above the forest floor, the walkway gives you a real birds-eye view of the canopy. Surrounded by mature kauri and tānekaha, some between 300 and 400 years old, it’s a pretty special experience, especially knowing you’re right in the middle of suburban Auckland.
What you don’t necessarily see at first glance is the clever engineering behind it. The walkway is supported by three glulam (laminated timber) bridges that span the steep gully below, making it possible to glide through the treetops in a way that feels both gentle on the landscape and incredibly immersive for those of us experiencing it.
There are several viewing bays along the way, which is fantastic. These give you space to pull over, take a breath, and really soak it all in, something that matters when you’re navigating with a powerchair and sharing the path with others.
Accessibility Notes
The boardwalk itself is wide and thoughtfully designed, but I did notice that some sections didn’t have edging. That meant I had to stay extra focused to keep centred, especially when passing people coming in the opposite direction. It’s one of those small design details that can make you feel just that bit more vulnerable.
The kauri dieback cleaning stations at the entrances were accessible, which is not always the case, so that was a real positive. These stations are essential to help protect the forest, and it’s great to see accessibility considered in their design.
It’s also important to note that while the main route is accessible, there are side paths that branch off throughout the reserve that include steps. Unfortunately, this meant we weren’t able to explore the entire park, which is always a bit disappointing. It’s a good reminder to stick to the main formed path if you’re using wheels.
Coming out via the upper section, the gradient does get steeper and is back to the hard-packed gravel terrain. If you’re in a manual wheelchair, you’ll likely need strong legs (or a helper). For us, using Finlay’s powerchair makes all the difference; it takes that physical strain off and means we can still enjoy places like this together.
The Walk Itself
The full trail is around 1.5km return and takes about 20 minutes at a relaxed pace. It’s an easy walk overall, and being shaded by the trees makes it perfect for warmer days, something Finlay especially appreciates.
Dogs are allowed (on lead), and while it’s a popular spot, there are quieter times where you can really enjoy the peace of the bush.
Facilities
There are no toilets directly at the reserve. The nearest facilities are at Highbury Birkenhead Shopping Mall or Te Kaitaka / Greenslade Reserve, so it’s worth planning ahead.
There’s also another entrance via Tui Glen Road, which includes an accessible kauri dieback station.
Final Thoughts
Kauri Glen Reserve is one of those special local spots that offers something quite unique, an accessible way to experience the forest from above. It’s a short walk, but one that feels immersive and memorable.
For us, it represents how much things have changed over time. As I get older and Finlay has grown into an adult, we’ve had to adapt how we explore. Moving to a powerchair has opened doors again, allowing us to keep getting out there without the physical strain.
This walk is a great reminder that with thoughtful design, even small reserves can offer meaningful, inclusive experiences, though there’s still work to do to ensure entire reserves can be enjoyed by everyone.
We’ll definitely be back soon to see how it’s aged, and hopefully to find a few improvements along the way.