Last updated July 2026
Highfield Garden Reserve is a small public reserve between Snells Beach and Algies Bay on Mahurangi East Road, about 70 km north of central Auckland. It features a paddock of resident donkeys, native bush and garden areas, and walking tracks with views over the bays and toward Scandrett Regional Park. The reserve is free to visit and open at all times, offering a relaxed rural experience suitable for families. It combines informal garden elements with bush tracks and coastal connections that extend the visit when tides allow.
Practical Information
| Location | 477 Mahurangi East Road, Algies Bay, Auckland |
| Entry | Free, open 24/7 daily |
| Walk duration | Approximately 60 minutes for the main loop |
| Track difficulty | Easy to moderate |
| Donkeys | Seven resident donkeys; hand-feeding permitted with carrots, apples or silverbeet |
| Facilities | Limited on site; toilets, cafés and shops at nearby Snells Beach |
| Distance from Auckland | Approximately 70 km north via State Highway 1 |
About Highfield Garden Reserve
The reserve occupies land originally developed as a private garden that was later gifted for public use. It lies in the coastal Mahurangi district between Algies Bay and Snells Beach, roughly 10 km from Warkworth. The site mixes ornamental plantings, fruit trees, native bush and open paddocks, creating a distinct character compared with larger regional parks.
Seven donkeys live permanently at the reserve. The first, Tilly, arrived in 1969, followed by others whose names begin with T in honour of the original landowner. An incorporated society now cares for the animals with Auckland Council support, continuing the original vision of the property owners. Visitors may hand-feed the donkeys approved items such as carrots, apples or silverbeet.
The reserve provides easy access to short walking tracks that pass through bush and garden areas and reach lookouts with views across Algies Bay and Snells Beach. At low tide the tracks connect to the beach, allowing an extended coastal walk between the two bays.
The Walk
The main loop track takes about 60 minutes and offers a mix of native bush, garden sections and open viewpoints. Shorter options lead to the upper lookout in 20–30 minutes. Signage is adequate and the compact layout makes navigation straightforward. The coastal extension along the beach at low tide adds flexibility for longer outings.
Scandrett Regional Park Connection
Highfield Garden Reserve sits close to Scandrett Regional Park, which occupies the headland between Algies Bay and Mahurangi Harbour. The two sites are reached by different roads but together support a half-day visit combining the donkey paddock and garden walks with longer coastal tracks and headland views available at the regional park.
What Visitors Often Say
The donkeys are the main attraction and are gentle and used to visitors. Bringing carrots or apples makes the encounter enjoyable for families. The short walks provide pleasant bay views and the low-key setting feels like a genuine rural find north of Warkworth.
Great for children and a relaxed free outing. The combination of animals, bush and coastal scenery works well, and extending the walk along the beach at low tide adds extra interest. Many visitors combine the reserve with time at Scandrett Regional Park.
Where to Learn More
Auckland Council – Highfield Garden Reserve: official park page with location, access and basic information.
Highfield Donkeys: site maintained by the society caring for the donkeys, with history and visiting details.
AllTrails – Highfield Garden Reserve Loop: trail map, length and recent visitor reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Highfield Garden Reserve free to visit?
Yes, entry is free and the reserve is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Can I feed the donkeys?
Yes, visitors may hand-feed the seven resident donkeys. Recommended foods are carrots, apples or silverbeet. Bread and processed foods should be avoided.
How long is the main walk?
The main loop takes approximately 60 minutes. Shorter routes to the upper lookout take 20–30 minutes. A beach extension is possible at low tide.
How far is Highfield Garden Reserve from Auckland?
It is approximately 70 km north of central Auckland via State Highway 1, with a typical drive time of about one hour depending on traffic.
What facilities are available?
Facilities at the reserve are limited. Public toilets, cafés and shops are available a short drive away at Snells Beach.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are permitted but must be kept under control at all times.
Is the reserve suitable for children?
Yes, the gentle donkeys and short, easy tracks make it popular with families.
Can I combine a visit with Scandrett Regional Park?
Yes, the two sites are close enough for a combined half-day outing, though they are accessed by separate roads.
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