I’Anson reserve is located on Loop Road (just off SH2), approximately 8 kilometres west of Tauranga.

The reserve is 10 ha in size and situated in a gully system formed by the Waikaraka Stream. The reserve was gifted to QEII National Trust by Keith and Takiko I’Anson who had a long-standing desire to see a native bush reserve established in the Te Puna area for recreational, educational and scientific purposes.

In the late 1980s Tauranga Forest and Bird began restorative planting in the reserve. Today these original plantings form good stands of young forest canopy comprising various associations of native trees. The reserve also includes an artificial lake area along with grassed open space. Car parking, walking tracks, a toilet and picnic tables are also provided.

The Loop Road car park and walking tracks are maintained by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council. The picturesque car park looks over Lake Taki with its bush clad island and shores of rimu and kahikatea.
You can picnic on the lawn or try an easy 500 m or 1.3 km bush walk around the lake.

The Friends of I’Anson Reserve hold regular weeding bees and members of the public are welcome to join. For more information about the weeding bees, get in touch with QEII Regional Representative for Western Bay of Plenty, Paul Kayes.