Tutaenui Reserve

Home of the humble Marton Water reservoir, Tutaenui Reserve has undergone a makeover in the years since the logging of the surrounding forest. Volunteers have created a relaxing space for the whole family to enjoy the outdoors. 

Walking/Running:
A well-formed shell rock walking path circles the two reservoirs. Meandering through strands of bush on the western side enjoy picturesque glimpses out over the reserve and bird song from Tui, Piwakawaka and Bell Bird, species encouraged to the area by the vast amount of native replanting.

Mountain biking:

From the main gate, an easy-to-follow track heads clockwise around the reservoir zig-zagging up the hills, offering fantastic views (including Athols Viewpoint) before descending again on benched trails with banked corners. Muddy in places after rain, resulting in refreshing to ride a thoughtfully built trail that isn’t (yet) so well graded that it takes the mountain biking out of mountain biking.
About 3km in, the track enters a strand of native bush, where the track becomes more technical, though still very ridable as it descends to the boardwalk at the rear of the reserve. From here, the track (currently) follows the walking track back to the main gate to provide a near 9km loop. 

Wildlife: 1/2
Scenic: 1/2
History / Points of interest: 1/2
Quiet / Relaxed: 1
Visit again: 1
Smiles per Hour rating: 3 1/2