Enjoying a picnic in Bush Park Wainui
Stream crossing in Bush Park – Image F of W
Bush Park Wainui is part of the larger Wainui Reserve. It was created in 1993 from the old farm that had the Wainui Stream running through it and has been transformed by planting about 15,000 trees. In 2014 the Bush Park has large numbers of good-sized native trees plus exotics.
Clematis in flower in the Bush Park – Image F Of W
There are also camellias and sasanqua planted of a wide variety of colour and type. Their flowering period extends from June to November. You can walk through the trees along well constructed paths, crossing bridges over stony bottomed creeks. The paths are well-marked and provide access to Ngarunui Beach and the Trig point overlooking the beach.
“One of my favourite things to do is run through the Wainui Bush reserve in the early hours of a frosty morning. From beautifully manicured picnic areas, to kept paths through the native bush, I never questioned who was responsible for such a humble beautiful part of Raglan. Friends of Wainui was formed in 1993 to nurture, replant and develop 7.2 hectares of remnant bush in Wainui Reserve for all to enjoy. They are purely run by the steam of (an aging group of) volunteers, and are eager for the next generation to join. For the volume of people who enjoy the area they have created, surely there is fresh blood out there to continue on the work that Friends of Wainui have been doing for the past two decades?”
KELLY MOANA CLARKSON
Community dance event on the Bush Park’s green area
One of the picnic tables nestled in the trees in the Bush Park
You can go as far as you wish, or stop to have a picnic on the green or just enjoy the quiet sanctuary away from the noisy world. The Bush Park Wainui is often used for family gatherings, weddings, wedding receptions. It is a picturesque and peaceful place to spend time. The green picnic area has picnic tables and a shelter for damp days. Alongside the picnic area is a pond and waterfall, gravity fed through 300 metres of 50mm pipe. The concept and construction of the ponds is all the work of the Friends of Wainui Reserve.
Plaque commemorating 20 years of achievements by Friends of Wainui – Image F of W
Interested observers can ascertain tree growth along the trails from the plaques near the trees which have information with the tree name and date of planting. Many of the trees are donated, or are planted to mark a memory.
The Bush Park has separate road access from Wainui Rd with a car park just inside the entrance. There are toilets near the entrance.
Map of Bush Park Wainui
FRIENDS OF THE WAINUI RESERVE
Friends of Wainui at work on a planting project. – Image F of W
The Friends of Wainui group started to look after the 10 hectare Bush Park, part of the renamed 140 hectare Wainui Reserve, after the former Pilot Reserve had been largely saved from housing development. They have dedicated about one thousand hours every year of their free time since the group was formed in 1993. Their work has transformed a neglected and overgrazed lease-hold farmland into a high quality bush park.
View of Mt Karioi from a trail at the Bush Park – Image F of W
This band of enthusiasts, formed in November 1993 is known as The Friends of the Wainui Reserve. There are about 12 financial members , including about ten active members who regularly attend the work days, held on alternate Mondays.
What are the aspirations of the Friends? This is a long-term project that those who have started will not see the ultimate development. The aim is to create a park of trees, with walking tracks. A place where people go to enjoy a walk among the trees, and to picnic. The Friends hope to encourage many native birds back to be seen by all the visitors to the Park.
As the bush has grown, maintenance has become a larger part of the work. The Friends meet alternate Mondays (phone John Lawson on 825 7866 if you’d like to help) to mow and clear the tracks, keep pests and weeds under control and add new plants. Membership is available at $5.00 per annum. For more inofrmation see: https://www.facebook.com/Friends-of-Wainui-Bush-Reserve-1230902816938344/
