Dawdling through the lush forest it is easy to forget you are in St Heliers. This is Dingle Dell Reserve. It is an enchanting 9ha urban ngahere. Ngahere is the Maori word for forest. Dingle Dell echoes with bird song. It is a favorite with nature lovers and dog walkers.
Dingle Dell Reserve has an interesting history. In 1842 it was one of four farms. Major Thomas Bunbury purchased these farms. While he owned the land he planted hawthorn hedges. He also planted oaks and weeping willows. Some of these trees are still here today.
In 1880 the Northcote and St Heliers Land Company purchased the land. They developed the area as a seaside suburb. The space was set aside as a public nature reserve in the 1930s. During the Great Depression men were employed to fill in the swampy areas. Around this time it was given its name Dingle Dell. This name is a play on Dingley Dell. Dingley Dell is a fictional town in Charles Dickens’ The Pickwick Papers.
Dingle Dell Reserve is home to many native trees. Kauri are among them. It is classified as a high value kauri eco system. Shoe cleaning stations surround the dell. These stations prevent the spread of kauri dieback.
The Dingle Dell Path is a 1.6km combination of tracks and stairs. It crosses through native bush and over streams. It offers cool respite in the summer heat. The paths are a combination of tracks and gravel. Easy stairs are set in the bush. These paths are not suitable for pushchairs. The tracks are well signposted. It is a good idea to take old shoes. It gets very muddy.
Dingle Dell Reserve was originally a raupō swamp. Raupō is a kind of reed. Residents and the council have planted and developed the reserve over the years. Some residents include a women’s progress league. Later the St Heliers Beautifying Society also helped.
The best place to start is by the public toilets off Fern Glen Road North and Dingle Road. Follow the signs for the Scenic Bush Walk. The paths are secluded. You may prefer to walk with other people. Dogs are permitted but must be on a leash. Adventure-seekers can bring a torch. They can plan a glow worm hunt at night in Dingle Dell Reserve.
Today Dingle Dell is still a peaceful area. It is located in the heart of St. Heliers. People can enjoy a picnic or bush walk here. The park hosts the native plants kohekohe and tanekaha. It is easy to see why Dingle Dell Reserve remains a treasured spot.