The 4.5ha reserve contains a remnant of superb
kahikatea (white pine) forest that once occupied the fringes of the extensive wetland in the area.
The reserve has huge kahikatea, dwarfing the tawa and pukatea that provide most of the
remaing tree cover. Nikau palms are also an attraction. Hanging vines, shrubs and ferns
proliferate under the tree canopy, providing habitat for native birds including tui, kereru
(native pigeons), fantails, bellbirds, silver-eyes,grey warblers and ruru (morepork).
The Crown bought White Pine Bush in 1925. Other fine stands of kahikatea in the area were
felled for timber till the supply ran out in 1937.Kahikatea was in demand for such uses as
butter boxes for the export trade, because it did not splinter and had no smell, so butter
remained untainted.

How to Get There
White Pine Bush Scenic Reserve is on White
Pine Bush Road, off State Highway 30, 20km
south of Whakatane.


Attractions and Facilities
White Pine Bush walkway

(Easy walking, wheelchair access, 30mins return)
A 250m wheelchair walkway has been built
into the heart of the reserve to allow people
with disabilities to enjoy the forest. The walkway
incorporates a nature trail, where the many
tree and plant species present are identified.


Please Remember

Dogs, horses, vehicles (including bicycles and
motorbikes), fires, removal of plants or animals,
camping or hunting are not permitted.