Kaipātiki Explorer

Shepherds Park & Hellyers Creek Reserve

Shepherds Park was originally four farms, with the final purchase being made in 1988. The park is named after the Shepherd family who farmed here for several generations. 

Shepherds Park boasts sports fields, a bowling club, tennis club, squash club and a football  club. There is also a fitness trail around the upper sports field, and near the Beach Haven Road entrance there is a children’s bike circuit around a well equipped playground. 

A highlight of this park is the adjoining headland area which is being restored to its original native coastal forest. This regenerating bush area overlooks O Rua ã Mokai o Kahu Awa / Hellyers Creek and is well serviced by recently upgraded step-free easy walking paths which meander through Shepherds Park and continue through Hellyers Creek Reserve. 

The coastal track entrance is at the foot of Cresta Ave. Proceed up the trail to a large rimu tree, turn left here and the track leads through mature kãnuka and ponga to a beautiful new boardwalk. You are now in the inter-tidal zones and the boardwalk takes you amongst the salt marsh to the Landing and a historic Mãori midden site. Climb the steps to the upper terraces and follow the track further east to enjoy extensive views from the new viewing platform at the Lookout.  

An alternative entrance is to start from either Beach Haven Road or Melba Street and follow the wheelchair friendly Fay Sara path which skirts the sports fields. An easily negotiated bush track can then be followed, or continue on the recently concreted path, to the Lookout which is now fully wheelchair accessible.

From the Lookout, head further east on the coastal track  through the tree canopy and down to the boat ramp at the end of Paragon Avenue. Return to the main path and continue on round to the new bridge at Lancaster Road, taking in the views. The path then continues hugging the coastline with views of Kaipãtiki Esplanade Reserve and Kaihika Point Reserve. The track ends at Beach Haven Road.