Once upon a time, orchards thrived where we stand now in The Landing Reserve. For much of its recent history, Albany was a fruit-growing area. This path through The Landing Reserve, from Days Bridge to Kell Park, cuts through what were once those orchards.
Now, it is grassy parkland. It stretches along the west bank of Ōtehā Stream. Feel the openness around you. Imagine the fruit trees swaying in the breeze long ago.
The Landing Reserve holds more secrets. As the path reaches Lucas Creek, it splits. One path continues to the southwest. This path eventually leads to Wharf Road.
Here, the Lower Landing of Lucas Creek was once located. Picture boats too large to travel upstream. Envision vessels arriving too late for the tide. They loaded and unloaded goods right here. This was a bustling hub of activity.
The Landing Reserve’s story goes further back. The area of Albany was once dense bushland. The Māori called it Ōkahukura. This name means “place of Kahukura.” Kahukura was the god of rainbows. This may refer to the waterfall in Gills Reserve.
The creek was important too. It was full of flounder. Māori called it Kaipatiki. Early European settlers renamed it Lucas Creek. This was a mistitled reference to Daniel Clucas. He was an early Pākehā entrepreneur. He may have run a flax mill on the creek.
Early Europeans came to harvest timber. Gumdiggers followed. They tore up the ground seeking kauri sap. They wanted to make a quick profit. They left a barren wasteland.
Fruit-growers gradually populated the area. They settled around today’s Lucas Creek bridge. Boats could navigate this far upstream. A small wharf was built on the west bank. Residents initially named the settlement after the creek. In 1890, they chose the name Albany. They named it after a fruit-growing region in Western Australia.
Albany became an important crossroads. It connected travelers heading north from Northcote Point. It also linked those traveling east-west between Wade and Riverhead.
Despite its importance, Albany grew slowly. Even with the Auckland Harbour Bridge opening in 1959, the population increased gradually. Suburbs closer to the bridge and motorway grew faster.
Albany merged into the City of Takapuna in 1974. It remained a distant outpost. In 1989, it joined North Shore City. In 2010, it became part of the Auckland supercity. Today, Albany is a bustling suburb. Hints of its earlier history hide in plain sight within The Landing Reserve.
Take a moment to appreciate this blend of past and present. Walk the paths once trod by orchard workers and traders. Feel the echoes of Māori history in the land. The Landing Reserve is more than just a park. It’s a living story. It connects us to Albany’s rich and varied past. You can also use this area as a dedicated dog exercise area.