After descending from Tawa Saddle to Panaruawhiti/Endeavour Inlet, you enter the tall, dark forest of Howden's Bush Scenic Reserve. It contains some near-virgin coastal forest. Stop and soak up the rare atmosphere of this once widespread native forest.

Patrick Howden was one of New Zealand’s early conservationists. In 1903 he purchased one thousand acres of Endeavour Inlet forest and built his family a holiday home. That home is now part of today’s Furneaux Lodge.

Patrick’s son, Captain Harry Howden R.N., took over the property following the death of his father. In 1937 he made it a Private Scenic Reserve.

In 1961 Harry bequeathed the land to the people of New Zealand as a 'scenic reserve and bird sanctuary' on the conditions that the forest was left standing forever and the shooting of birds was prohibited. Harry Howden died in 1969.

Patrick Howden’s holiday home is now the centerpiece of Furneaux Lodge, seen here from Endeavour Inlet with Puhikereru/Mt Furneaux on the distant ridgeline
Image: Marlborough District Council ©