Mt Lees Daffodil DashBeginner

Description

Mt Lees is a gorgeous unique tranquil Scenic Reserve just 6km off SH1 so is the perfect way to stretch your legs on a road trip, or less than 10 minute drive from Feilding or Bulls. If you visit during spring you will be in for a real treat as you'll be welcomed by amazing massive displays of varied daffodil.

The 2km Loop begins at the signpost next to the historic homestead. The beautiful sheltered bush trail meanders around the bush gully. When you get to the back of the reserve instead of looping back on the gully trail carry on over the bridge and board walks and onto the longer loop that follows the boundary of the reserve. Near the end of the loop you will arrive at a gate onto Ngaio Rd, just turn left and run the short section of road grass verge back to the carpark. Just run as many loops as your heart desires!!

Features of interest

There are 2 distinctive trees growing within the bush, a large Kahikatea, thought to be more than 1000 years old and a 600 year Puketea which is listed as one of New Zealands Distinctive trees. In 1931 Ormond Wilson built the homestead at the head of a gully containing pockets of bush then much damaged by stock, overgrown by vines, as well as being infested with gorse. He saw the potential of developing the 'bush gully' and set about clearing the gully of the infestations, preserving native trees, encouraging regeneration and planting exotic specimen trees and shrubs. In 1930 the land was a bare paddock and the bush gully was grazed with stock. The homestead was built and the first shelter belts were planted in 1931. Fencing around the bush was completed in 1951 and during the next decade most of the clearings were planted with specimen trees. It took Ormond 40 years to develop the bush gully into what is now a place of beauty. In December 1972 he gifted the land to the crown as he doubted future landowners 'would have the will to preserve and continue the work he had begun'.

Make Up of Run

Easy Single Track: 100%

Route Data