It started with the sharp krark of a tūī echoing across the canopy, and before I could even take a sip of my takeaway flat white, I was craning my neck skyward, grinning like a kid.
Kauri Glen’s Treetops Loop isn’t one of those ‘epic’ multi-day treks—but that’s exactly its magic. This short, sweet wander through ancient forest in Auckland’s Birkenhead feels like you’ve stumbled into another world—one where mossy trunks, hidden waterfalls, and flitting kererū rule the roost.
Tucked just minutes from suburbia, this walk is perfect when you need a proper dose of nature without committing to a full hiking mission. It’s also one of the best-kept secrets on the North Shore. Most Aucklanders I mention it to respond with a confused “Where’s that?” Good. Let’s keep it that way… kind of.
“Kauri Glen is a brilliant urban escape. The elevated boardwalks give a unique canopy-level experience—like a gentle forest hug,” says Sandra, our seasoned Freewalks track specialist.
Whether you’re a local dog walker, a lunchtime leg stretcher, or a tourist craving native bush without leaving the city limits, this loop’s a total gem.
Before I set off on this walk I visited the Chelsea Sugar Refinery and did the Chelsea Heritage Park Loop walk, it was a great day of walking for me!
| Location: | Northcote, Auckland, North Island |
| Distance: | 2.5 km loop |
| Time: | 35 mins |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Elevation: | 55m |
| Track Quality: | Excellent all the way |
| Mountain bikes?: | No |
| Wheelchair access?: | There is if you do the short walk, but not if you follow all of my walk. |
| Toilets: | Yes – at nearby Birkenhead War Memorial Park |
| Dogs: | Dogs are welcome on a leash. Just make sure to pick up after them. |
| Mobile coverage: | Yes, plenty |
| Best time to go: | Autumn mornings for crisp air and birdlife |
| Permits and Fees: | No permits or entrance fees needed |
Kauri Glen Reserve is a slice of Auckland’s natural history. Named after the towering kauri trees, this reserve has been a haven for native plants and animals for years. It’s a great place to get a feel for the original bush that once covered much of the area.
Car park location: Entrance via Kauri Glen Road or Tui Glen Road. There’s parking at the entrance on Tui Glen Road.
Parking availability: Street parking only, room for 10–15 cars. Shaded, free. It’s not huge, so aim to get there early, especially on weekends. There is also a small parking area at the Gladstone Rd entrance.
By Car:
By Public Transport:
Take bus routes 945, 966 or NX1 to Birkenhead, then a 5–10 minute walk.
Regular buses run from Auckland CBD to Northcote. Check the Auckland Transport website for the latest routes and schedules.
Track surface: Mixture of gravel, wooden boardwalks, and natural earth paths. Some stairs.
Track condition: Well maintained but can be muddy after heavy rain.
Elevation gain: Approx. 50m. Some short steep sections.
Estimated pace or fitness level: Low to moderate. Good for most walkers including kids.
Alternative routes or extensions: Connect with tracks toward Birkenhead War Memorial Park or continue onto the Eskdale Reserve network.
Absolutely! It’s a perfect family outing with easy paths and plenty to see.
Nope, drones aren’t allowed to keep the peace and protect the wildlife.
Closest café or food option: Fika With Me – cosy Scandinavian café on Mokoia Road (5-min drive).
Picnic tables or shelters: None within the reserve – but grassy banks near War Memorial Park.
Playgrounds or extras nearby: Yes – Birkenhead War Memorial Park has a great playground and BBQ facilities.
Accommodation nearby: Yes – Auckland CBD or Northcote/Birkenhead motels and Airbnb options.
Auckland iSite Visitor Information Centre: www.aucklandnz.com
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the Kauri Glen Treetops Loop Walk is a fantastic way to enjoy Auckland’s natural beauty. Happy walking!
Date of walk: 12 June 2024
Weather and track conditions: Mild 22°C day, track was dry with good footing.
What I personally loved: The tree canopy section feels like you’re walking through a rainforest cathedral. I saw a kōtare perched on a branch just metres away.
Unexpected moments: A couple doing tai chi in the clearing near the midpoint – surreal and beautiful.
Tips I’d give based on doing it myself: Go early on a weekday to avoid dog-walking rush hour, and take a moment to sit on the log bench mid-loop and just listen.
What stood out the most: The elevated canopy section – it’s a rare gem in an urban reserve.
Who I’d recommend this walk for: Families, nature lovers, dog walkers, or anyone needing a 45-minute mental reset in nature.
Would I do it again? Absolutely. It’s one of my regular go-tos.
What I’d do differently next time: Bring a thermos of coffee and linger longer in the middle section.
“I’m visiting from Wellington and found Kauri Glen by chance—it’s a magical pocket of bush. I walked it at dusk and the birdsong was unbelievable.” – Karla N., Wellington (Walked April 2025)
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8 Responses
Hi. Is this the only treetop walk that’s free to use in the North Island?
Hi Mylax, yes that’s correct. However this is not the same as the other treetops walks where the path is hanging between trees, this is like a wide bridge over a gully of trees. Hope that helps. Thanks, Sandra.
This walk is not a loop. The map at the park entrance is old and out of date, from before the new track and bridge was built.
Hi John
Thanks for your comment. When I did the walk it was on the new track and I walked over the new bridge. I kind of made up my own loop walk to make it more interesting. You’ll see from the map I did, which is above, where I went exactly. The loop part was back around part of the streets. Hope that helps. Thanks, Sandra
Not surprised there are issues with the track. It is insanely busy and way too many visitors are ignoring the disinfecting stations and / or the spray runs out because of the walk’s popularity.
If people do want something to eat or drink Highbury is a seven minute walk up Onewa Road and has a very large selection of cafe’s, restaurants , gastro pubs.
Yes, I agree, it’s got very busy since they upgraded it. Such a shame they had to close some of it so soon after all the upgrades.
Hi Sandra,
The council told me that this walk was closed yesterday due to Kauri dieback – is it open now?
Hi Sara, I just took a look at the council map and some of the walk is closed but not all of it. This must be very recent as I only walked this not so long ago. However, you can still do the walk but instead of starting from Tui Glen Rd which is where I started from, start at Kauri Glen Rd, the track is open from there. Hope that helps.