Kepa Bush Reserve is a small nature reserve in Mission Bay on Auckland’s eastern bays, protecting a remnant patch of native coastal bush above the Tāmaki Estuary. The reserve is notable for its large, mature native trees — including a kohekohe estimated at around 300 years old, visible from a viewing platform — and is an accessible bush walk from the eastern suburbs. A loop track of around 1.6km takes approximately 45 minutes. Entry is free and the reserve is managed by Auckland Council.
Practical Information
| Location | 9 Colenso Place, Mission Bay, Auckland |
|---|---|
| Entry | Free |
| Access points | End of Colenso Place; between 33–37 Thatcher Street; between 251–255 Kepa Road |
| Parking | Thatcher Street (parking on Kepa Road is difficult) |
| Regular bus services along Kepa Road | |
| Walk length | Approximately 1.6km loop, 45 minutes |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate — boardwalk and gravel path, with stairs |
| Facilities | Seating along southern path; picnic tables at Kepa Road entrance |
| Dogs | On leash at all times |
About Kepa Bush Reserve
The reserve protects a patch of coastal broadleaved forest that has survived on the ridge above the eastern bays suburbs — a remnant of the vegetation type that once covered much of Tāmaki Makaurau’s coastal margins. Large mature trees are the defining feature: tōtara, pūriri, and mānuka are prominent throughout the reserve, and a viewing platform provides a close look at a kohekohe (Dysoxylum spectabile
Kohekohe are a characteristic tree of coastal broadleaved forest in the northern North Island. They flower directly from the trunk and branches (a feature called cauliflory), producing cream flowers in late autumn and winter that are important for tūī and other nectar-feeding birds. Kepa Bush supports a resident population of tūī along with other forest birds that use the reserve as a patch of habitat within an otherwise urban environment. The loop track has three entry points: the end of Colenso Place (main entrance near the car park at 9 Colenso Place), a mid-point entry from Thatcher Street, and an entry from Kepa Road. The path combines boardwalk and gravel sections and includes stairs — it is not suitable for prams or wheelchairs. Seating is provided along the southern section of the track, and picnic tables are at the Kepa Road entrance. The reserve is compact and suits a morning walk before or after visiting the Mission Bay waterfront. “Kepa Bush is a lovely little hidden gem in the middle of the suburbs. The huge kohekohe is well worth finding — look for the viewing platform.” — AllTrails reviewer Where to learn more Auckland Council — Kepa Bush Reserve: official park page with access details. Auckland Council — Kepa Bush Path: official track description and map. FreeWalks.nz — Kepa Bush: visitor guide to the walk with directions and practical information. Where is Kepa Bush Reserve? How long is the Kepa Bush walk? Is the track suitable for prams? What trees are in Kepa Bush? Are dogs allowed at Kepa Bush? Kepa Bush Reserve is one of the coastal bush reserves in the Auckland parks and reserves network. For another nature reserve with boardwalk and native bush near the city, see the guide to Gittos Domain in Blockhouse Bay. Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.The Walk
FAQ
At 9 Colenso Place, Mission Bay, Auckland. It is accessible from Colenso Place, Thatcher Street, or Kepa Road.
The loop is approximately 1.6km and takes around 45 minutes at an easy pace.
No — the path includes stairs and is not suitable for prams or wheelchairs.
Large mature tōtara, pūriri, and mānuka, plus a 300-year-old kohekohe accessible from a viewing platform.
Yes, but must be kept on leash at all times.