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Eskdale Reserve is a composite of many reserves. From east to west lie Birkenhead Domain (entrances from Glenfield and Eskdale Roads),
Hiwihau Scenic Reserve (entrance from Hiwihau Place), Eskdale Bush (entrances from Eskdale Road and Brunton Place) and Lauderdale Reserve (entrance from Lauderdale Road).
Enter at the main entrance, off Glenfi eld Road, where the track starts beside the cemetery and pass through a variety of habitat types from early regeneration
to mature forest.
Across the wide bridge, the track follows the Kaipatiki Stream down to a small water race. Further on the track leaves the bush and crosses
through an open area to a ford where stepping stones provide access to Lauderdale Reserve.
This small grass reserve is surrounded by tall kanuka with native jasmine and clematis.
Downstream from the stepping stones the stream falls in a small cascade to a wide pool. A vantage point above the far end of this pool provides a good view into the mangrove-lined
Kaipatiki Creek.
There is a flax cultivation area off Merrill Place which supports a re-emerging fl ax weaving culture run by the Nga Whanau Trust.
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