Slippery Creek Reserve

“A hidden gem,” a local whispered, pointing towards the trees. “That’s Slippery Creek Reserve.” Slippery Creek Reserve. A place seemingly forgotten by time, nestled in Drury, Auckland. Today, we uncover its secrets. Slippery Creek Reserve isn’t just a patch of green. It holds the echoes of Drury’s rich history, intertwined with the stories of Ngāti Tamaoho. Their ancestral ties to this land run deep, reaching back to the arrival of the Tainui waka from Hawaiki. The creek itself, Otuwairoa in the Māori language, played a vital role in their lives. It flowed into Drury Creek, forming a strategic vantage point at Opāheke. From here, Ngāti Tamaoho controlled the movement of people and goods throughout their territory. The surrounding waterways were more than just transport routes. They were a pātaka kai, a food bowl providing sustenance for generations. The very name “Slippery Creek” hints at a past where the waters may have teemed with eels, a vital food source. Imagine the scene in 1862. Drury bustled with activity, a hub for settlers. A hotel, a store, a post office, and a scattering of cottages dotted the landscape. Just a year before, the first railway in the North Island, a horse-drawn tramway, had been constructed. This tramway, built to service the Waihoihoi Coal Company, stretched from the mine to Slippery Creek, the nearest point accessible by sea. This engineering marvel, a symbol of progress, forever changed the region, paving the way for Auckland’s rail network. Slippery Creek Reserve stands as a testament to this transformative era. Today, Slippery Creek Reserve offers a tranquil escape. Its 1.2 acres provide walking trails, a picnic site, and a parking lot. While enjoying the peaceful surroundings, remember the layers of history beneath your feet. From the ancient traditions of Ngāti Tamaoho to the echoes of the coal industry, Slippery Creek Reserve whispers stories of a vibrant past.