Okura Bush Scenic Reserve
A large pūriri tree at the Okura Bush Scenic Reserve
Coordinates36°40′05″S 174°42′50″E / 36.668°S 174.714°E / -36.668; 174.714

The Okura Bush Scenic Reserve is a protected forested area on the Hibiscus Coast in the Auckland Region, New Zealand. It is the location of the Okura Bush Track.

Geography

The Okura Bush Scenic Reserve is located to the north of the Okura River, on the opposite shore from the village of Ōkura.[1] Dacre Point is a headland at the mouth of the river, at the very eastern point of the reserve.[2] The reserve borders the Long Bay-Okura Marine Reserve, which is located along the Okura River estuary, Karepiro Bay and the Hauraki Gulf coast to the east and south.[3]

Biodiversity

A Paranephrops planifrons held by a member of the Friends of Okura Bush

Okura Bush Scenic Reserve is a part of the Okura Bush and Shell Barriers biodiversity focus area, notable as a transitionary area between forest and estuary.[4] The reserve features a large grove of pūriri trees. Other areas predominantly feature a mix of old growth and regenerating forest.[5][4]

History

The northern shore of the Okura River was traditionally known as Otaimaro, and was an extensive Māori settlement.[6] In 1848, Henry Dacre and his father Captain Ranulph Dacre purchased the lands surrounding the river, creating the Weiti Station. Their house, the Dacre Cottage, was built circa 1855 from locally made bricks.[6][5]

The reserve was established in 1991, under the name Okura Estuary Scenic Reserve.[1]

In 2014, the Friends of Okura Bush was established, as an organisation dedicated to the survival and protection of the forest.[7]

In 2018, the walkway was temporary closed in order to combat the threat of kauri dieback,[8] and as of 2023 remains closed.[9]

References

  1. 1 2 "Okura Bush Scenic Reserve". New Zealand Gazetteer. Land Information New Zealand. Retrieved 4 May 2023.
  2. ↑ "Dacre Point". New Zealand Gazetteer. Land Information New Zealand. Retrieved 4 May 2023.
  3. ↑ "Long Bay-Okura Marine Reserve". New Zealand Gazetteer. Land Information New Zealand. Retrieved 4 May 2023.
  4. 1 2 Tiaki Tāmaki Makaurau. "Okura Bush and Shell Barriers". Auckland Council. Retrieved 4 May 2023.
  5. 1 2 Janssen, Peter (January 2021). Greater Auckland Walks. New Holland Publishers. p. 34-35. ISBN 978-1-86966-516-6. Wikidata Q118136068.
  6. 1 2 Cameron, Ewen; Hayward, Bruce; Murdoch, Graeme (2008). A Field Guide to Auckland: Exploring the Region's Natural and Historical Heritage (rev. ed.). Random House New Zealand. p. 132. ISBN 978-1-86962-1513.
  7. ↑ Short, Beverley; Reid, Lezette; Baskett, Jonathan (June 2017). Management Plan (PDF) (Report). Friends of Okura Bush. Retrieved 4 May 2023.
  8. ↑ Clayton, Renee (11 May 2018). "Okura Bush Walkway temporarily closed to prevent the spread of kauri dieback". Stuff. Retrieved 4 May 2023.
  9. ↑ "Update on Okura Walkway - Haigh Access Rd entrance". North Shore Tramping Club. 26 October 2022. Retrieved 4 May 2023.
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