AJ Seeley Gully Reserve : Hamilton's Nature Jewel
Hidden by stately houses and an all-boys high school, A.J Seeley Gully Reserve sits pretty as Hamilton's nature jewel. A haven of towering trees, lush green kawakawa bushes and a chorus of tui.
I have lived in Hamilton most of my life, and it wasn’t until last week that I discovered this natural jewel. It is one of those places that once you know of its existence becomes one of your favourite spots. A place that you create new good memories with, a place of retreat, and a place you want to share with others.
Hence this blog post.
Read on and I will share a little more about A J Seeley Gully Reserve, Hamilton’s Nature Jewel.
Location
Like many of Hamilton’s green spaces, you won’t find this one unless you are looking for it. Driving down a few side streets in Hamilton East, you arrive at Armagh St and in a neighbourhood that looks a little Stepford Wives. Do not let that throw you off, beneath this fancy exterior is a green unpretentious paradise.
Access can also be found via Grey St, Whyte St and Masons Ave.
History
This gully reserve, believe it or not, started as a bare paddock. Purchased by Alwyn (Olly) Seeley, a prominent ear and nose surgeon, he spent 50 years transforming it into a lush green paradise. In 2003, he gifted it to the Hamilton City Council and now the area is maintained by Friends of Seeley Gully, a group that meets every week to weed and carry out pest control and planting.
The Walk
The council has developed bridges, steps and a decent gravel walkway through the gully, running between Armagh and Whyte streets. The walk takes you through a green wonderland, over streams, and around all the wonderful planting that has occurred over the years. There is even a nice bench seat to have a rest and simply listen to the sounds of the gully.
There are some areas of the walk that have experience slips because of rain, so just make sure you navigate those with care.
Features
Tui - At a certain time in Hamilton’s history, tui were nearly extinct. The distinct sound of their croaky song absent from our green spaces. It wasn’t until the last decade or so that tui numbers started to climb in Hamilton. And in the Seeley Gully Reserve, the sound of tui is deafening. When tui first started to arrive at Seeley Gully, Seeley was delighted. It was a long-held wish of his to see them nesting in the green space he created.
Native Trees - There are a lot of trees here. Planted by Seeley and later by volunteers. You can see a lot of New Zealand native plants here, including kawakawa, kanuka, manuka, totara, matai, lancewood, rimu, kahikatea, lemonwood, kauri, and nikau.
Central - Despite feeling like you are in the middle of a lush forest, A J Seeley Gully Reserve is centrally located surrounded by suburbia. So you do not have to drive for hours and hours to reach this green paradise. A good thing with the current fuel costs.
Mushrooms - In Autumn and winter, some pretty interesting mushrooms may pop up in the forest here for you to spot. This makes this a great location
Community
The power of community can be acutely seen here at A J Seeley Gully. First with the creation of the space by Seeley himself, one man and a vision. Then with the creation of Friends of Seeley Gully.
This was formed to support the gully and facilitate a platform to share information and expertise. It is a growing group of people who either live near the gully or have a special interest in its welfare. They have regular working bees that help continue the legacy of Seeley.
Keep up to date with what is going on with the group on their Facebook Page.
Quick Facts
Dogs - Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash.
Accessibility - There are stairs and muddy spots, as well as a slip at present which makes this walk not ideal for wheelchairs or prams.
Bins - There is a bin at the access point at Armagh St.
Walk - An easy walk that loops, crosses streams and is mostly gravel or boardwalk.
Toilets - No toilets around, so go before you come