Walks in Central Hawke's Bay

In Central Hawkes Bay you can choose from several walks.

The Hilltop with the World's Longest Placename

TaumatawhakatangihangakoauaotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahuIs the longest place name in the world. It is the name given by the local Maori people, Ngati Kere to a prominent hill to celebrate the achievements of Maori ancestor, Tamatea Pokai Whenua. Tamatea was a famous chief and warrior of his time. His son Kahungunu was the founder of the Ngati Kahungunu tribe, which extends from Gisborne to Cape Palliser.

Tamatea was so grieved over the loss of his brother in the Matanui battle, he would sit on the hill and play his lament on what is called the kaouau or Maori flute.

The name means 'The hilltop where Tamatea, with big knees, conqueror of mountains, eater of land, traveller over land and sea, played his Kaouau (flute) to his beloved'.

The walk is a moderate 3 hours and is situated 6 kilometres from Porangahau.

This 9.8 hectare reserve is managed by the Central Hawkes Bay District Council. It is situated on the left bank of the Tukituki River 4.5km north west of Waipukurau, off Lindsay Road. It is a popular riverbank picnic spot with a metalled walking track and toilets.

Situated on the Ashley Clinton Road, which branches from S H 50, 11km south of Ongaonga. There is a range of recreational opportunities including a 2km walkway that passes through a variety of forest associations, swimming hole in the Tangarewai Stream and facilities for picnicking and barbequing.

Located off Makaretu Road, 1km past Sherwood School. Follow the access road to the gate and then across farmland to the forest edge. A 500m track commences at the Reserve entrance. It passes through the forest to the Tukipo River to swimming holes suitable for children. Adeane's Bush is one of the first examples of the original forest of the Ruataniwha Plains and hosts a notable totara tree of significant height (33.7m) and diametre (2.65m)

Inglis Bush is reached via Tukituki Road (off SH 50) and is approximately 8 km from Ongaonga. The reserve is ideal for birdwatching and a special feature is the presence of native long-tailed bats which are most likely to be seen at dusk. Although there are no facilities or walking tracks, it is well worth walking to its boundary via the legal access strip across farmland. The point where this leaves the Tukituki Road is signposted.

This reserve can be reached from either Waipawa or Havelock North via pleasant scenic country drives. Visitor facilities are provided adjacent to the Kairakau Road and a 20 minute loop track enables visitors to observe this attractive stand of native forest and birdlife.

Located off Whangaehu Road some 16km south of Porangahau. This 27 hectare reserve was gifted to the Crown by the McLean family in 1973 and is an important remnant of pre-European coastal forest, of which there are few examples left in Hawkes Bay. There are no tracks within the reserve, but a stile at the signposted layby indicates the access point to the reserve.

Starting point for this track is from North Block Road. This high standard graded walk gives easy access to the open tops and is one of the Park's most popular tracks which is suitable for family and school groups. It takes 2-3 hours and has well maintained and service hut accommodation is available. Hut passes are available from DOC or the OngaOnga Store.

Starting point for this track is from North Block Road. Located 10 minutes from the carpark is Triplex Hut. A low level loop walk taking about one hour can be made just before the hut along Swamp Track. A forest mixture of beech, rimu, and kahikatea.

This is a gentle low level forest walking track which follows an old logging road and gives an interesting insight into forest regeneration since logging ceased in the 1960's. Mountain biking is allowed on this track. The restored historic Ellis Hut is at the northern end of the track. It was constructed in 1884 and is the oldest hut in the park. It is also known as Murderer's Hut.

A round trip can be made along Ellis and Wakarara Roads back to the roadend at Makaroro River. These roads are through private commercial forests and are for foot and mountain bike access only.

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Click on the suburb name to download maps, calorie counter and general information for walks in the area.

Waipawa
The Waipawa area offers a variety of walks, mainly around residential areas but also giving a rural flavour. Waipawa also has a Heritage Trail with sights of interest including some of the town's original buildings.

Waipukurau
Enjoy a taste of rural atmosphere along residential walks in the "capital" of Central Hawke's Bay. Waipukurau also has a Heritage Trail with sights of interest including some of the town's original buildings.

Click here to view other walks in the Napier area 

Click here to view other walks in the Hastings area

Click here to view other walks in the Wairoa area

Click here to view the Rotary Pathway walks.

Click here for more information on the Stepping Out programme of walks, and walking groups.