Note – 12 Oct 2023: This track is currently closed due to a new upgrade. There will be a fabulous 3 metre wide concrete walkway when finished, how exciting.

On top of that, some of the signposts within Birkenhead Domain were confusing – giving opposing time and directions. Having a map with us did prevent us going around in circles!  It did turn out to be a wonderful bush walk and the birdsong was great to hear.

Quick facts about this walk

Walk time: approx. 1 hour 10 mins
Distance: about 5.84 kms
Parking: Mahara Avenue, off Highbury Bypass.
Track: Mostly level paths with some steps and steep inclines.
Difficulty: Suitable for most ages and levels of fitness and mobility, designed with sturdy flat shoes or running shoes in mind.
Dog Friendly: There is a dogs off leash exercise area
Highlights: Bush and stream.
FREE Map: Download your FREE map of this walk
The Hobbiton Movie Set Day Tour - Ex Auckland

The Hobbiton Movie Set Day Tour - From Auckland

Our third attempt with a more detailed map and a pen to take notes kept us on track and now we can document this walk with clear instructions.

Eskdale Reserve and Birkenhead Domain have native trees, nikau palms and ti-trees. The sounds of the bush and the stream give you the illusion of remoteness until you emerge at Birkenhead Cemetery.

The main track is in good repair, and the minor tracks have loose stones and roots. Sturdy shoes are recommended. Expect mud in winter!

Nearby cafes in Highbury Shopping Centre or Sausalito at Northcote. Dogs off leash exercise area within Birkenhead Domain (check signs). No playgrounds.

Photos from my walk along the Eskadale and Highbury Reserves

More of my walks near Eskadale, North Shore, Auckland

Beautiful view of Auckland city and harbour from the top of Mt Victoria in Devonport

Spectacular Views from Mt Victoria in Devonport

Today was clear and sunny, which called for a walk and climb to look over Auckland from up high from Mount Victoria in Devonport
Walk details →

Northcote Point and Auckland Harbour Bridge

I felt like a tourist in my home city this morning! The morning was stunning and I was really looking forward to exploring Northcote Point.
Walk details →
Mother and baby swan on Lake Pupuke in Takapuna

Lake Pupuke Takapuna

Today’s walk around Lake Pupuke in Takapuna was a discovery one.
Walk details →
Belmont Bay Walk

Belmont Bay Walk

This Belmont Bay walk on Auckland’s North Shore, was chosen by my friend after she read an inspiring article about the founder of the Belmont ...
Walk details →
People with dog on the beach at Takapuna explorer

Takapuna Explorer

Our walk around Takapuna on Auckland’s North Shore was in warm winter sunshine.
Walk details →
Takapuna to Milford Loop Walk

Takapuna to Milford Loop Walk

Many walkers on Auckland’s North Shore will be familiar with this route.
Walk details →

Le Roys Bush Loop

Saying that you are going for a walk in the bush in urban Auckland, may sound like an oxymoron, however, that is one of the ...
Walk details →
Lovely view on the Bayview Coast and Bush Walk

Bayview Coast and Bush Walk

Today we set out to explore the Bayview area near Glenfield on Auckland’s North Shore. What a wonderful surprise to find a beautiful bush walk, ...
Walk details →

Bayview Giant Kauri Walk

We returned to Bayview on the North Shore to complete a circular walk in a different direction to our previous Bayview Coast and Bush Walk.
Walk details →
Beautiful view of Auckland city and harbour from the waterfront path to the left of the ferry wharf in Devonport

Devonport Ngataringa Loop

Beautiful view of Auckland city and harbour from the waterfront path to the left of the ferry wharf in Devonport.
Walk details →
Seat at Narrow Neck Beach looking out to Rangitoto Island

Devonport Narrow Neck Loop

The dark grey sky and strong winds did not bode well for our walk from Narrow Neck Beach (north of Devonport) to Ngaratinga Bay – ...
Walk details →
Bench park and walk path

Totaravale Reserves

The Totaravale Reserves loop walk loosely follows a route documented by Margaret Scrymgeour from her booklet “Explore the Shore”.
Walk details →