Gordon Carmichael Reserve

The Gordon Carmichael Reserve is one of Tauranga’s best kept secrets. Despite its large size, it is still easy to traverse, making it a great location for walking or cycling. This reserve is also dog-friendly. If you are in the Bay of Plenty region, more so Tauranga… Be sure to visit and explore.

Gordon Carmichael Reserve Walkway is a 60-hectare stormwater reserve that’s used to handle stormwater runoff. It features a fantastic wetland, two kilometres of walking trails, and an outdoor classroom. Schools use this area for their Learning Through Discovery program. It’s a great place for a picnic.

This 60-hectare reserve has extensive native plants and wetlands, and is a great place for children and their families to enjoy a walk. Whether you’re looking for a tranquil environment or a scenic view of the Tauranga skyline, the Gordon Carmichael Reserve is a great option.

The reserve is accessed from Carmichael Road, a short drive from Mayfield Lane. The reserve is accessible by foot and bike. If looking to walk all paths throughout the reserve, you’ll be looking to clock roughly nine kilometres. Much of the trail is a gravel track that is quite easy to walk or cycle.

The reserve features several playgrounds, an outdoor classroom, and a viewing platform that can be used to feed swans.

You can also go on a trail from the car park and travel eastward to explore the wetlands and bush at the reserve’s eastern end. This path will take you to the stormwater settling ponds, which are a popular destination for families with children.

Throughout the year, you’ll be able to observe native birds and a diverse array of plants. It’s also possible to enjoy the reserve’s historic and cultural history, which includes numerous archaeological features. Some, the only in New Zealand.

To see all of the wetlands and the surrounding trees, take the time to visit the 60-hectare reserve. If you have a dog, you can also bring him along on the trail, but please keep him on a leash and clean it up after him. You won’t regret it!

Access to this stormwater reserve can be made from different locations due to the area this wetland covers. Down the page you will spot a map for Gordon Carmichael Reserve. One main access point is from a small carpark located on Carmichael Road. Near this carpark are toilets, a kids playground and an outdoor classroom. Access to this carpark during the night is closed.