Eskdale Reserve Track is a scenic walking trail in Birkenhead, North Shore, Auckland. The track winds through native bush and regenerating forest, offering peaceful nature walks with birdlife. It features well-maintained paths suitable for various fitness levels, connecting to neighboring reserves and providing a tranquil escape within the suburban environment.
Find more walks in this area… explore all North Shore walks
By Car: From central Auckland take the harbour bridge and follow signs to Birkenhead. Turn onto Birkenhead Avenue then right onto Mokoia Road. Turn left onto Eskdale Road and look for the reserve entrance and small carpark on your right. Street parking is available if the carpark is full but be mindful of residents.
By Public Transport: Take the bus to Birkenhead shopping centre (multiple routes service this area). From there it’s about a 20-minute walk up Mokoia Road to Eskdale Road. The walk itself is uphill so factor in a bit of warm-up time.
By Ferry: The Birkenhead ferry from downtown Auckland is a pleasant option. From the Birkenhead Wharf it’s approximately a 25-minute walk to the reserve entrance, or you can catch a connecting bus partway.
👉 👉 Freedom Camp Between Walks – Hire a Campervan – We’ve got the best deals
Here’s something most visitors don’t realize: Eskdale Reserve is actually part of a much larger network of interconnected bush reserves spanning across Birkenhead. You can easily extend your walk by connecting to Highbury Reserve or even venture further to Kauri Glen Reserve without ever leaving the forest canopy. The locals know this and often string together three or four reserves for a proper half-day adventure.
The birdlife here is genuinely impressive for such an urban setting. Keep your eyes and ears open for tui (you’ll definitely hear them before you see them), fantails that will follow you hoping you’ll kick up insects, and if you’re lucky the unmistakable wingbeat of kereru lumbering through the canopy like feathered bowling balls. Early mornings are best for bird activity, but honestly even midday walks reward the observant.
The reserve is accessible throughout the year but each season offers something different. Spring brings out the best in native flowering plants and the dawn chorus hits peak volume. Summer means the track can get busy with families during school holidays, so aim for early morning or late afternoon if you prefer solitude.
Autumn is genuinely underrated here. While the native bush doesn’t do the dramatic color changes of exotic trees, the light filtering through the canopy takes on a golden quality that makes photography a joy. Winter walks have their own charm with crisp air and fewer crowds, though the track stays damp and muddy for longer periods.
Weekday mornings are your best bet for having the place almost to yourself. Weekends bring out the families, dog walkers and trail runners in force, especially Saturday mornings. Not that it ever feels overcrowded, but if you’re after that wilderness solitude vibe, time it right.
Even though this is a relatively short suburban bush walk, don’t underestimate the basics. Water is essential as there are no fountains or facilities once you’re on the track. A small first aid kit is sensible (those tree roots can be ankle-twisters if you’re not paying attention). Insect repellent during warmer months will make your experience considerably more pleasant, particularly around the stream area where mosquitoes gather.
A lightweight rain jacket lives permanently in most Auckland trampers’ daypacks for good reason. The weather can turn quickly and being caught in cold rain while surrounded by dripping bush is miserable. Sunscreen seems counterintuitive for a bush walk but the sections where the canopy thins out can still catch you out, especially on your neck and ears.
👉 👉 Freedom Camp Between Walks – Hire a Campervan – We’ve got the best deals
The track is generally well-maintained but it’s not a concrete footpath. Tree roots cross the path regularly and they’re often hidden under leaf litter, so watch your footing. The gradient isn’t extreme but there are sections of steady climbing that will get your heart rate up, particularly if you’re not accustomed to hills.
After heavy rain the stream crossing can be more substantial. While there’s a bridge, the water level can rise enough to make the approach muddy and slippery. Gumboots aren’t a bad idea if you’re visiting within a day or two of significant rainfall.
Navigation is straightforward but the track does have several junctions where side trails branch off. These are generally well-signposted but if you’re prone to getting turned around in the bush, snap a photo of the track map at the entrance or download it beforehand. It’s easy enough to find your way back but better to stay oriented throughout.
The beauty of Eskdale Reserve is how it links to other bush reserves creating a broader network. From the southern end you can connect directly to Highbury Reserve for an extended loop. This adds another hour or so to your walk and takes you through some impressive stands of mature native trees.
For the genuinely ambitious, you can create a multi-hour trek by linking Eskdale to Kauri Glen Reserve via Highbury. This requires good fitness and proper preparation but rewards you with one of the best continuous bush walking experiences on the North Shore without driving between reserves.
The regenerating bush here showcases native species at various stages of growth. You’ll see plenty of kanuka and manuka as pioneer species, with nikau palms scattered throughout adding that classic New Zealand bush aesthetic. The understory is thick with ferns including mamaku (black tree ferns) that can grow several metres tall.
Keep an eye out for puriri trees, which are impressive specimens with their distinctive thick trunks and glossy leaves. These trees are important food sources for native birds, particularly when they’re fruiting or flowering.
The invertebrate life is equally fascinating if you slow down to look. Weta, native snails, and various beetles inhabit the forest floor and fallen logs. The stream supports freshwater species though they’re typically shy and difficult to spot without dedicated searching.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, dogs are allowed but must be on-leash at all times. The track is popular with dog walkers but please clean up after your pet and be considerate of other track users. Some sections have steep drop-offs where an off-leash dog could come to grief.
Is the track suitable for young children?
Absolutely, though very young children may need assistance on the uphill sections and at the stream crossing. The track is too narrow and uneven for prams or strollers. Most families with primary school aged kids manage the full loop without difficulty.
Are there toilets available?
No, there are no facilities at Eskdale Reserve. The nearest public toilets are back at Birkenhead shopping centre. Plan accordingly, especially if walking with children.
How busy does it get?
It’s reasonably popular with locals but never feels crowded. Weekend mornings see the most traffic. You’ll typically encounter a handful of other walkers but it’s peaceful enough that you can still feel immersed in nature.
Is it safe to walk alone?
Generally yes, though as with any bush walking it’s sensible to let someone know your plans. Cell phone coverage is patchy in sections. The track is well-used enough that you’re unlikely to be completely alone for long periods.
Can I ride a mountain bike here?
No, the track is designated for walking only. The narrow paths, tree roots and foot traffic make it unsuitable and unsafe for bikes.
The afternoon sun filtered through the canopy as I started along the Eskdale Reserve track, and I could immediately feel the city noise falling away behind me. The path wound through dense native bush, and my boots found their rhythm on the well-maintained trail.
About twenty minutes in, I reached a small stream crossing. The water ran clear over smooth stones, and I paused there longer than necessary, just listening to it bubble past. A fantail appeared and darted around me in loops, clearly hoping I’d disturb some insects for an easy meal.
The track climbed steadily after that, never too steep but enough to get my heart working. I passed an older couple coming down who nodded and smiled—that unspoken kinship between people who’ve chosen to spend their day among trees rather than traffic.
Near the highest point, the bush opened up just enough to give me a view across the valley. The green stretched out in layers, ridge after ridge, reminding me how much wild space still exists so close to home. I sat on a fallen log there and ate an apple, feeling the sweat cool on my back.
The descent was easier on the lungs but harder on the knees. By the time I emerged back at the carpark, my legs were pleasantly tired and my head felt clearer than it had in weeks. I threw my pack in the car and realized I’d spent two hours without checking my phone once.
