The Friends of Burns Reserve Trust was established to care for the Burns Park Scenic Reserve, an area of around 87 hectares that stretches across Signal Hill | Te Pahure o te Rangipohika and above Dunedin’s West Harbour suburbs of. Ravensbourne, Maia, Burkes and St Leonards. The bush-clad hillside reserve contains remnants of coastal podocarp forest which once clothed these hills and is an important bird corridor aiding the return of the South Island robin | taruwai to the city.

A magnificent view of Otago Harbour is obtained from the summit of Gerry’s Rock from the city all the way out to Taiaroa Head. The scenic reserve was established for the enjoyment of local people but it is almost unknown to the public – despite being close to central Dunedin and having such attractive features that the public are entitled to access and enjoy. There are many mature rimu, miro and totara trees as well as a wonderful native orchid grove.