Growth in Auckland isn’t just about big council projects like new roads, major transport initiatives, or improved water services.
Local boards also fund projects, upgrades and facilities that build better neighbourhoods and help create great places to live.
Check out these tracks across Upper Harbour which offer leafy escapes, native bush, birdsong and a chance to reconnect with nature. With recent investment from the council and Upper Harbour Local Board, these reserves are becoming more accessible all year round, and more enjoyable for everyone in the community.
1. Gills Scenic Reserve Track - 19 Carol Lee Place, Albany Heights
Tucked away in the heart of Albany Heights, this peaceful loop through native bush is the perfect place for a short, quiet walk. Recent upgrades have transformed the track into a safe, all-weather route, with new boardwalks and stair sections guiding walkers through lush undergrowth and past a small waterfall. Kauri hygiene stations have been added to protect the reserve’s ancient trees, and the wide, well-maintained path makes it an easy, family-friendly option. Tūī and fantails can often be seen flitting through the canopy, adding to the serenity of this peaceful green space.
2. Pāremoremo Scenic Reserve Track - Brookdale Road, Pāremoremo
One of the region’s most ecologically valuable reserves, Pāremoremo Scenic Reserve is home to towering podocarps, dense kauri forest, and tidal creek ecosystems. While large parts of the forest remain closed to protect sensitive native species, a short track to a local swimming hole offers a special chance to experience this remarkable bush. Upgrades to drainage and boardwalks have improved the path’s condition and now guide walkers safely to the stream’s edge. It’s a quiet, restorative space that feels like a world away from the city.
3. Fernhill Escarpment Walk - Northwood Avenue, Albany
For those seeking a slightly more adventurous bush walk, Fernhill Escarpment offers elevated views and a mix of mature native trees and regenerating forest. The track has recently been transformed with the addition of a new pedestrian bridge, upgraded northern pathways, and clear wayfinding signage.
It’s now a well-connected route linking nearby reserves and neighbourhoods, offering a bush escape with a sense of scale and elevation. Ideal for nature-lovers and regular walkers, Fernhill is an example of how investment can create safer, more connected green spaces in growing suburbs.
4. Kell Park walk - 257 Dairy Flat Highway, Albany
Tucked beside Albany Village, Kell Park is a peaceful spot with shady bush tracks, a playground, and open space for the whole family. It’s a popular local park that’s great for a gentle walk under native trees or taking a quiet break in nature.
Community events supported by the local board are helping bring more people into the space, making it a welcoming place to relax, play, and explore the area’s past and present.
Why these trails matter
Whether it's the recently reopened Pāremoremo Track or the sweeping views from Fernhill, these walking paths are more than just green spaces, they’re places where nature and community come together. By making the tracks easier to use and looking after the bush, the local board is helping more people enjoy the peace of a walk in nature.
Ready to explore?
Lace up your shoes and take a step into nature, these tracks are your invitation to breathe a little deeper, walk a little slower, and enjoy the beauty of Upper Harbour’s natural spaces.
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