We were sent this link to a YouTube virtual tour of Le Roys Bush: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOXwmsSYhNU
It and a video can be accessed from http://www.mydestination.com/auckland/things-to-do/190585/le-roys-bush
Le Roys Bush in the NZ Herald again - pages D6-D7 - special feature on wetlands.
Roam Auckland's wetland gems By Dionne Christian
"[...] To appreciate what wetlands offer, you really have to see them, walk in them and have a good look at what's living there. They are extraordinary places and extraordinarily important to the environment. We want everyone to know that and the way to achieve this is to encourage people to get out and explore."
So says Auckland Council senior biodiversity adviser Miranda Bennett, and I can see what she means. We're standing just 7km from downtown Auckland, in the middle of the LeRoys Bush and Little Shoal Bay wetland in Birkenhead, but we might as well be in another country.
It's tranquil. A gentle breeze offers respite from a scorching sun and stirs native swamp plants such as raupo (native bulrush) and carex grasses. We seek shelter from the sun on well-built paths which meander through cabbage trees, nikau palms, karaka, kowhai and coprosma.
The environment looks primitive; it's easy to imagine a dinosaur plodding out of the swamp. Instead we see tui, kingfisher (kotare), the recently introduced Eastern rosella, grey warbler (riroriro), silvereye (tauhou), mallard ducks and banded rail (moho pereru) footprints. [...]
LeRoys Bush/Little Shoal Bay Wetland
It is hard to believe this coastal and freshwater wetland is so close to the CBD. The area includes streams and walkways which run from Highbury down to Little Shoal Bay Beach. As well as native birds, it is also home to endangered native fish species including trout such as the kokopu and inanga. You can take a guided walk through the area on February 17, starting at 10am. See aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or leroysbush.org.nz. [...]"
See especially item (e) - thanks & congratulations to all elected members, council officers and others for this great progress
In case you didnt see it either - look at the NZ Herald page
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=10716441 published on 2 April 2011. It said:
For a breather from the city, explore the pockets of bush and wetland nestled in suburbia.
1. Le Roys Bush
Maritime Terrace, Little Shoal Bay From pretty Little Shoal Bay beach (which is very tidal, but with a playground and lots of sailing boats it's a magnet for exploring kids) cross the playing fields into Le Roys bush, a delightful remnant of totara and kauri bush with easy walking trails and a waterfall. The side-tracks lead you up to Hinemoa St where you can refresh yourselves at one of many cafes.
5. Smiths Bush
(Northcote Rd, beside Onewa Domain)
Take the Northcote exit to Smith's Bush, tucked behind the netball and cricket sports grounds, for almost prehistoric groves of giant puriri, kahikatea and totara. Have a post-walk pint at the famous (and now scrubbed-up) Poenamo opposite, or drive into Northcote shopping centre for one of the best and cheapest Asian food halls in town.