The reserve is located eight kilometres (5.0 mi) inland from Kai Iwi and has an area of approximately 99 hectares (245 acres), including the Bushy Park Homestead and grounds.

The forest has a diverse range of native plant species, with canopy trees including northern rātā, rimu, tawa, and pukatea.

The reserve is now managed by the Bushy Park Trust, in partnership with Forest & Bird and local iwi Ngā Rauru Kītahi.

The populations of North Island robin and saddleback in the reserve have increased to the extent that Bushy Park has been used as a source for translocation of birds to other sanctuary areas.

In 1880, an area of 391 hectares (966 acres) inland from Kai Iwi was sold by a Māori chief, Uru Te Angina to James Moore for £483.

However, a 99 hectares (245 acres) remnant of native lowland forest was preserved, and this is now the Bushy Park Tarapuruhi reserve.

[5][6] Between 1981 and 1984, the national Forest & Bird organisation debated the economic viability of continued involvement in the Bushy Park homestead and grounds.

[14] The Bushy Park trust mobilised volunteers to assist with predator control to eliminate the rats, but also announced their intention to seek funding for a paid full-time staff.

[18][19] In 2023, Bushy Park Tarapuruhi was chosen as one of three venues for a national celebration of the centenary of the founding of the Forest & Bird Protection Society.

[11] Management of the reserve is via a partnership between the Bushy Park Trust, Forest & Bird and the local iwi Ngā Rauru Kītahi.

[23][24] As of 2024[update], Forest & Bird pays the salary of sanctuary manager, and volunteers donate 500–600 hours per month working in the reserve.

[31] The upper canopy in the reserve consists of trees such as northern rātā, mataī, miro, kahikatea, tōtara, rimu, hīnau, tawa, and pukatea.

The canopy trees support a wide range of ephiphytes including astelia, ferns and orchids, along with climbing plants such as rātā, clematis, New Zealand passionfruit and supplejack.

The sub-canopy of the forest includes nīkau palms and tree ferns such as mamaku, along with tarata, kohukohu, tīkoki and rewarewa.

[33] The forest floor supports a wide range of plants that can survive in damp, low light conditions, including ferns, umbrella moss, lichens, liverworts, fungi, ground-dwelling orchids and tree seedlings.

[36] Prior to the elimination of rats and possums in 2005, browsing by possoms had caused severe damage to northern rātā and depletion of species such as wineberry and tree fuchsia.

[37] Common native bird species that may be found in the reserve include kererū, bellbird (korimako) and tūī, as well as the fantail (pīwakawaka), grey warbler (riroriro), silvereye (tauhou) and pūkeko.

[41] The populations of North Island robin and saddleback in the Bushy Park reserve have increased to the extent that relocations to other sanctuary areas have been undertaken.

In 2014, 40 North Island saddleback were translocated from Bushy Park to the 230-hectare (570-acre) Lake Rotokare fenced sanctuary in Taranaki.

[41] In 2018, ten hihi were translocated from Tiritiri Matangi Island to Bushy Park to increase the genetic diversity.

[50][51] The Bushy Park Trust leases the homestead to proprietors to operate a business, offering accommodation and a venue for events.

It was constructed in former stables behind the homestead, and includes an interpretation centre, a space for exhibiting historic items, and toilet facilities.