From easy to advanced, we’ve rounded up five of our favourite walking tracks suitable for all abilities.
If you’re visiting Wairoa, or driving through, make sure you stop and take in the charming township. One of the best ways to discover Wairoa is by strolling the riverside walkway. Start at Wairoa’s historic Portland Island Lighthouse, and follow the river into the CBD, then to Pilot Hill, where the river meets the sea. Check out the new extension of the walkway makes this now 7.9km trail a coastal walkway too, ending at Whakamahia Beach Scenic Reserve.
Grab some sturdy shoes/boots, a backpack filled with essentials and head to Ruahine Forest Park located at the Ruahine Ranges. A popular walk for many family groups, follow the zig-zag track will lead you to Sunrise Hut, which is managed by the Department of Conservation. Winter temperatures mean you may even find snow around the hut. Visit the DOC website for more information.
Ōtātara Pā Historic Reserve encompasses one of the largest pā complexes in New Zealand, spanning 40 hectares. A fascinating site, it was once favoured for its strategic location which afforded expansive views and access to a range of natural resources, and was highly regarded by many iwi in the district. Today, you can walk to the pā and see the remains of terraces, dwelling sites and food storage pits, and a glimpse into the lively community that Ōtātara once was.
An iconic lookout in Māhia, Mokotahi Hill is a well-carved track offering jaw-dropping views over Māhia Beach and beyond. Start at the base on Newcastle Street, and follow the trail for a steep, yet short incline. You’ll be rewarded at every turn, so make sure you snap a few photos, so you can relive the views when you’ve finished. Mokotahi Hill holds cultural significance to Ngati Kahungugu, whom have long history of occupation at the site.
A large grove of 223 California redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) are the a drawcard to the sprawling Te Mata Park in Havelock North. The tallest living tree species on Earth, these redwoods were planted in 1927 by The Chambers Family who recognised Hawke’s Bay’s climate shared similarities with coastal California. Over time the trees have clustered together, with their tapering crowns and horizontal branches creating an enormous parasol and remarkable forest that is easy to explore on foot. Fortunately, the trees have a lifespan of 2,500 – 3,500 years so there’s plenty of time to put on your walking shoes and plan a trip to see them!
