In 1894 a group of scientists, lead by Sir Algernon Thomas, succeeded in persuading the Auckland Council to preserve 3,500 acres (14 km²) in the Nihotupu area of the Waitakere Ranges as a bush reserve.
In 1895 the national Government vested the land, as a "reserves for the conservation of native flora and flora". Giant ferns, looming trees, flowering bush..
These Ranges now contains about 39,500 acres (160 km²) and we spent much of our first year exploring them, because we lived 'out West'
There are a series of 'frames' at beauty spots, which highlight natural scenes and views. Whenever we see one the girls demand their photo be taken. It's a lovely idea and limits the tourists to one area but also makes you look twice!
They have a motto: " take only photos, leave only footprints" and we have walked, tramped, slid and collapsed at some breathtaking places!
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