[3] A large wetland is found in the south-west of the park, which is a habitat for species including the New Zealand bittern, banded rail and fernbird.

[3] Groups with association to the area include Ngāti Pāoa, Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki and Te Ākitai Waiohua.

[4] During the 1850s, members of Ngāti Pāoa grew large quantities of fruit and vegetables to supply the city of Auckland on eastern Waiheke Island, including at Whakanewha.

The Māori residents of the area had not been consulted and disputed the claim, burning down Wood's house in retaliation.

[3] Many native tree species in the park have thrived more successfully than their counterparts on the mainland, due to the lack of possums on Waiheke Island.