Kepa Bush Reserve might be the best-kept secret in central Auckland. It’s 14 hectares of native bush tucked behind Eastridge Shopping Centre in Mission Bay, and you can walk the circuit in around 30 minutes. I was surprised by how green and quiet it is in there, given how close it sits to the motorway and the suburbs.
The bush clings to a sandstone ridge above Pourewa Creek, and once you’re in, you’d never know the city was right outside. It’s one of the largest remaining native bush remnants on the Auckland isthmus, which makes it genuinely special.
Quick Facts
| Distance | Approx. 1.5 km loop |
|---|---|
| Walk time | 30 minutes |
| Difficulty | Very Easy |
| Dogs | On leash at all times |
| Parking | Eastridge Shopping Centre or street parking on Thatcher St |
| Toilets | No toilets in the reserve (facilities at Eastridge) |
| Entrances | Kepa Road, Thatcher Street, Colenso Place |
| Track surface | Gravel paths, boardwalk sections, wooden steps |
| Muddy? | Yes, in wet weather, especially along the creek tracks |
Getting There
The reserve has three entrances:
Kepa Road entrance (main entrance): There’s a small parking area and picnic tables here. Kepa Road itself is busy, so parking can be tricky, but this is the most signposted entry.
Thatcher Street entrance: Street parking for around 20 to 30 cars. Note that entry from here involves a fairly steep set of steps down into the bush before you reach the loop track. It’s fine going in, just remember you’ll be coming back up.
Colenso Place entrance: A short dead-end street off Kepa Road, with limited parking. Good option if you want to link through to Kepa Road afterwards.
If you’re driving, I’d suggest parking at Eastridge Shopping Centre (free parking, easy access) and walking in from the Kepa Road side. There’s also a bus service along Kepa Road if you’d rather leave the car at home.
What You’ll See
The bush is home to a wide range of birds, including wood pigeon, fantail, and grey warbler. The tracks wind through the forest, occasionally revealing unexpected viewpoints of the city.
There are many interesting old trees throughout, including large manuka, totara, and puriri.
It’s a cool, shady spot in summer, which is when I notice it most. On a hot day, being in there feels like stepping into a fridge compared to the streets outside. In winter, some of the creek-side paths get muddy and stay that way for a while after rain.
Practical Notes
- Track surface: The main paths are well-formed gravel with a boardwalk section. There are a few steps throughout the bush and may not be suitable for prams and wheelchairs. There’s some seating along the southern path, and picnic tables in a small clearing at the Kepa Road entrance.
- Footwear: Running shoes are fine in dry weather. Boots or trail shoes in wet conditions, especially if you’re planning to do the creek-side tracks.
- Dogs: On leash at all times.
- Toilets: None in the reserve itself. Use Eastridge if needed.
- Muddy sections: Yes, particularly the lower creek tracks. The main loop is better maintained and drains faster.
Photos from my walk along the Kepa Bush
Nearby Walks
Kepa Bush sits right in the middle of some of Auckland’s best urban walks:
- Orakei Basin Loop — a flat, scenic loop around the tidal lagoon, just a short walk away
- One Tree Hill Walk — one of Auckland’s iconic volcano walks
- Mt Eden Walk — the highest volcano on the isthmus, with 360-degree views
- St Johns Bush — the smaller bush reserve next door, also worth a visit
One Response
Hi Sandra
Speaking as newbies, we’d like to thank you and your team for the work you’ve put in to providing this service. We walk every weekend and are always searching for new walks, so thanks again.
We walked the Kepa Bush walk this morning and it was very pleasant. The only other feedback I’d offer is that views are not quite as they were as the trees and foliage have grown significantly since your pics were taken.
Kind regards
Malcolm