Explore this rural paradise on foot with a short walk
Central Hawke's Bay offers your perfect rural escape, with stunning landscapes and bushlands at every turn.
A'Deanes Bush
Off SH50, nestled in the countryside is A’Deanes Bush. This remnant forest is the best remaining example of the original forest of the Ruataniwha Plains. The 38.5 ha reserve is dominated by matai and kahikatea and is situated on a flat river terrace. A large tōtara tree, about 34m high, is the focal point of this easy 30 mins, 1km loop track. It takes at least 7 people to encircle its trunk with their arms. If you’re visiting on dusk, watch out for long-tailed bats as they emerge to feed.
Tukituki Trail
The Tukituki Trail is a popular network of trails for walkers and bikers, situated in Central Hawke’s Bay between the townships of Waipukurau and Waipawa. It offers a wide variety of trails and tracks that follow the path of the district's beautiful Tukituki River.
Lindsay Bush
On the outskirts of Waipukurau township, Lindsay Bush is a great example of native remnant forest and is a good alternative if you are short on time. Only taking 45 mins to wander the loop track through 9.8ha of native bush, this walk is suitable for the whole family. Situated on the left bank of the Tukituki River just 4.5km north west of Waipukurau, it is a popular riverbank picnic spot.
Sunrise Track
Sunrise Track is an enjoyable 2-3hour tramp one way through native New Zealand Forest into the Ruahine Ranges. Sunrise Hut is a popular day trip or book the hut, stay the night and wake up for sunrise and a photo of the beautiful sweeping views across Central Hawke’s Bay. In winter there is generally snow around the hut, so please ensure you are appropriately prepared. For more info visit the Department of Conservation website.
For an alternative route: from the Sunrise carpark, follow the farm track for 10 minutes to reach the Triplex Hut. This Hut is an ideal base for groups wishing to experience an overnight stay close to a road end and some easier walking tracks. About 100 meters before the hut is the access point to Swamp Track. This low level track meanders through a mix of beech, rimu and kahikatea forest at the base of Sunrise Track.
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