Improvements at bush reserve
28 October 2015
The growing popularity of Waipa's Yarndley's Bush reserve has prompted the development of a new carparking area and walkway.
A new metal carpark and walkway to the reserve was completed in August. There is now parking for around 30 vehicles and safe walking access to the reserve along the main road via a purpose-built path. The area surrounding the carpark has been grassed and landscaped.
Within the next few weeks signage will be installed explaining the Hingakaka battle which took place near Yarndley's Bush between 1780-1800. Further signage will explain the ecological importance of the reserve.
Waipa District Council's community facilities manager Tony Roxburgh said the project cost around $19,000 and means the site will be able to better cope with a growing number of visitors including more locals rediscovering the reserve.
Yarndley's Bush is a pretty special place. It's 14 hectares of beautiful native bush including one of the largest remaining stands of kahikatea (white pine) in the North Island. Some of the trees are up to 35 metres high so it's really spectacular and absolutely a local treasure.
Kahikatea stands are rare as many of the trees were felled to make butter boxes for exporting butter by ship to Europe in the late 1800s.
The reserve's close proximity to Te Awamutu and Lake Ngaroto meant it was already a well-liked place and becoming more so, Roxburgh said.
With summer coming, Yarndley's Bush becomes a popular place for families so it's good to have these improvements done in plenty of time. The walking tracks within the reserve are well maintained and we hope the car park improvements will prompt even more local people to visit this Waipa jewel.
All media enquiries, contact
Jeanette Tyrrell (on behalf of council)
027 5077 599