Waimapihi Reserve is a 70-hectare reserve of regenerating gullies on the Town Belt, bordered by Brooklyn, Highbury and Aro Valley in Wellington. Its address is on Highbury Road in Brooklyn. Native birds such as kākā and saddleback are living in the reserve again, which the reserve says is the first time in a century. The birds have spread from Zealandia Ecosanctuary. The reserve is about five minutes from the city centre.
It is one of Wellington City Council's most popular reserves, with mountain bikers, runners, walkers, families, dog walkers and birdwatchers using it each week. Local volunteer groups trap pests and restore the bush. Dogs and people share the reserve, and the reserve's group says its aim is for people, pets and native wildlife to get on peaceably. Our pick in Brooklyn for a walk among the returning birds.