Cornwall park

Cornwall Park is full of features to explore.

Opened in 2013, William Nelson Park is a popular inner city park that includes plenty of grass and seating areas, a playground and a skate plaza.

Pākōwhai Regional Park is a country-style park, and there are 2km of easy-walking paths and a series of bridges crossing over the Raupare Stream.

Te Mata Park is open to walkers, runners, unleashed dogs and riders, so make sure you stick to the signposted mountain biking trails.

Russell Park is an exciting outdoor space with lots of fun activities and big open spaces, the perfect place to enjoy some family fun.

Centrally located within one of Napier’s premier suburban parks, Anderson Park playground's accessible and imaginative features create an inclusive environment that encourages all abilities and ages to play alongside each other.

Gifted in perpetuity to the community in 1927, Te Mata Park is a cultural, historical and recreational treasure.  The wider park is home to an array of walking and mountain biking trails, with most trails also dog-friendly.

The accommodation complex in Hawke's Bay that has it all!

The Pan Pac Mountain Bike Park, just 10 minutes drive north of Napier, is the 'home' of the Hawke’s Bay Mountain Bike club.

Frimley Park was given to the people of Hastings by the Williams family in 1951, and was formerly the grounds for the family's homestead which burned down in 1950.

With a distinctly rural feel, Puketapu Park might be a bit off the track but it is worth the trip!

Set alongside the waterfront in Ahuriri, Spriggs Park playground is a large playground which has much to offer children and families of all ages.

There are a number of designated Council sites where overnight camping by Certified Self-Contained vehicles are permitted.

The Wairoa Mountain Bike Park track incorporates 7km of trails, and is loosely based on Rotorua's Whakarewarewa Red Woods Mountain Bike Park.

Get dirty in Taradale!

Holidays are for relaxing, having fun and spending time with family and friends.

Lake Tūtira, and it's neighbouring Lake Waikopiro, is home to an abundance of wildlife and is a popular fishing spot. Alongside the lake is the 463 ha Tūtira Regional Park, maintained by the Hawke's Bay Regional Council, which has an erosion control, sustainable land management programme in place.

The gardens are home to Keirunga Homestead and the Keirunga Gardens Arts & Crafts Society, who are settled within the maintained gardens and courtyard and provide community facilities for arts and crafts in the Hastings District.

The Tukituki Trail is dual-purpose limestone tracks on the banks of the Tukituki River between the towns of Waipukurau and Waipawa in Central Hawke’s Bay.

The Lions Community Playground at Windsor Park is 6,000 square metres of family fun.

Farndon Park Domain is nestled along the Clive River between Hastings and Napier.

Kaweka Forest has a lot to offer!

Located in the mid-eastern Ruahine Forest Park, Sunrise Hut is situated on the top of the Ruahine Ranges.  The original hut was constructed in 1983 by NZFS, and upgraded in 2005.

Belying it's official name as the Water Ride, this section of the Hawke's Bay Trails takes in a range of rural and urban landscapes, albeit many with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, Ahuriri Lagoon and Tutaekuri River (it's the ORANGE section on the Hawke's Bay Trails map).

Weaving in the shade of the willow trees along the Tukituki Trail in Central Hawke's Bay, this grade 2 track is a great introduction to mountain biking.

Planted in 1951, the collection now encompasses 5000 individual roses and 500 named varieties of covering bush, standards, weeping, climbing and prostrate rose forms. A prominent feature of the garden is a 90-metre long display of climbing roses and a small fountain in the centre of the garden.

This large, recently upgraded playground, offers something for all ages.

Park Island is Napier's largest sports reserve so you can guarantee you'll spot some sporting action if you visit.

The Ruahine Forest Park consists of beautiful bush-covered ranges with various recreation opportunities.

Splash Planet is New Zealand’s only water theme park – a much-loved Hawke’s Bay icon where generations of families have made lifelong memories.

Mangatutu Hot Springs is a popular Department of Conservation camping, picnic and fishing spot, and a starting point for excursions up the Mohaka River and further into the Kaweka Forest Park.

The Hastings Urban Heritage Trail guides visitors through significant historical areas of Hastings.

Originally published on nzherald.co.nz It's 6.05 am on Friday morning when we turn off State Highway 51 in Napier and follow the blink-and-you'll-miss-it sign for Waitangi Regional Park.

This 240 ha of wetland is where Muddy Creek, and the Ngaruroro, Tutaekuri and Te Awa o Mokotūāraro (Clive) Rivers meet the sea.

The twin Kaweka lakes - Lake Rototuna and Lake Rotoroa - are ecologically and botanically significant because of the large number of plant species and vegetation types in the surrounding area.

Yeoman's Track is closed due to damage sustained during Cyclone Gabrielle, with no current date for re-opening. See DOC website for details A walking track along an old logging route at the base of the Ruahine Forest Park is open for mountain bikers as well.

Park up at the carpark where Nelson Quay meets Hardinge Road in Ahuriri and you'll find a plesant swim-safe little beach that the whole family will love.

In 2017, Ātea a Rangi was constructed as one of several elements in the Waitangi Estuary enhancement at Waitangi Regional Park.

Napier offers four freedom camping areas.

Step into a realm of enchantment as Cornwall Park comes alive with the mesmerising glow of lanterns at the Osmanthus Gardens Lantern Festival!

The Farndon Heritage Trail takes visitors through areas that have been historically associated with orchard and fruit growing industry in Hawke's Bay, as well as some sites of Māori significance.

The well-recited legend of Te Mata Peak portrays the hill as the prostrate body of the Waimārama chief, Te Mata.

There are two options to see the waterfalls - if you only have time for one, it's recommended to do the second one.

Aramoana in Central Hawke's Bay is a lovely spot for day-trippers as you can park up with easy access to the beach where you can spend the day diving, swimming, and surfing.

Te Urewera, home of the Tūhoe people, is the largest area of native forest in the North Island and offers a wonderful escape in ancient untouched rainforest. Please refer to the Ngai Tuhoe website for the latest updates regarding Te Urerewa access.

In 1854, John Chambers built a small cottage for his family on a block of land which he leased from Kurupo Te Moananui.

Please note Tangoio Falls is currently CLOSED - see Department of Conservation website for more information Tangoio Falls is absolutely gorgeous, and is particularly spectacular after rain.

Please note Te Ana Falls is currently CLOSED - see Department of Conservation website for more information Tangoio Falls and Te Ana Falls are both accessed from the Tangoio Falls carpark just off State Highway 2 about 25mk north of Napier.

Keirunga Park Railway - Easter Open Weekend!

Bay Skate is a multi-use, world-class roller sports park on Napier’s Marine Parade.

This long, narrow estuary with its wide range of fresh to salty, shallow to deep, and sandy to muddy habitats supports an extremely diverse range of birds, fish, invertebrates and plant life.

This park was first created as the equivalent of the English village green in 1854, and Napier’s first cricket and football matches were played there. In 1886, the first steps were taken to transform this space into the wonderful garden we see today.  The square was enclosed with white picket fencing and gates stood at the corner entrances, trees and shrubs were planted around the boundary and seating was erected to face the large central band rotunda.

Renowned for its horticultural landscaping and formal gardens, visitors are invited to take a seat at the many benches dotted around the garden.

Dolbel Reserve is a popular walking spot for locals with an established network of tracks and expansive views across Hawke's Bay.

Great fun and road-rule practice for the little ones.

Eastern views from the summit cover the Napier-Taradale area and much of the Heretaunga Plains, while western views include the Ruahine and Kaweka Ranges.

Ranui Farm Park is a working sheep and beef farm owned and operated by the Ennor family, which also has more than 30km of mountain bike trails.

On the outskirts of Waipukurau township, this excellent example of native remnant forest is a great alternative if you are short on time.

Located in the sprawling Cornwall Park, the Osmanthus Garden takes its name from the Osmanthus family of plants which have been extensively planted throughout, and includes highly scented shrubs and ground covers along with group plantings of pine trees and bamboo.

From small, deep rockpools perfect for swimming, to spectacular rock formations, that create the pristine fishing conditions for snapper, kahawai and kingfish, this stretch of the coast is a fantastic playground for water lovers.

Located just alongside the Village Pools, the Village Green is the undisputed king of playgrounds in Havelock North.

From the Hawke's Bay side of Lake Waikaremoana, continue following SH38 around the eastern side of the lake until you reach the old Information Centre where you need to turn to Aniwaniwa Rd and follow it for the next 1.5km.

Shine Falls is currently closed - see Department of Conservation website for more information Shine Falls is roughly a 1.5 hours drive away from Napier, and the last 12km is gravel road - but it's worth the trip!The Shine Falls track is a 1.5 hour return walk, and leads to the base of the waterfall.

The hills and the plateau to the southeast of Hastings are places of great beauty and historical interest.

All of these walks originate from the Waipātiki beach area, aobut 40min drive north of Napier Waipātiki Scenic Reserve This walk is situated just before Waipātiki Beach 32 kms north of Napier.

2026 Landmark Homes New Zealand Pony Club Eventing Championships Hawke's Bay 18-20 April - Hawke's Bay Equestrian Park #RideToHawkesBay26 Hawke's Bay Area Pony Club are excited to host the 2026 Landmark Homes New Zealand Pony Club Eventing Championships at the Hawke's Bay Equestrian Park, April 2026.

Thabani Gapara presents – Dzindza “A Celebration of African Heritage” After a standout performance at Church Road’s Jazz in the Park, award-nominated saxophonist and composer Thabani Gapara returns to Hawke’s Bay this spring with his DZINDZA NZ Tour.

Enjoy a relaxing stay at the ASURE Colonial Lodge Motel.

Mission is an iconic Hawke’s Bay landmark and one of the region's premier wedding and conference venues, offering elegant, lovingly restored classic surroundings, magnificent views, world class cuisine and wines and exceptional service and care in the complete service.  Nestled into the side of the Taradale Hills, Mission Estate is situated only 10 minutes from the city centre, but surrounded by green hills, farmland and vineyard - it gives the impression that this outstanding facility is far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city.

New to the Ahuriri hospitality scene, Mix'd offers a large range of handcrafted cocktails, a diverse tapas-style food menu, made…

Mohaka Rafting provides full day and multi-day adventures on grade 2, 3, and Grade 5 whitewater.

Quest Napier serviced apartment-style hotel rooms offer guests a relaxed and comfortable Napier accommodation experience perfect for short or long stays.

Sawyers Arms Hotel is the gateway to the Ruahine Ranges Forest Park.

Shed Five Thirty Estate has recovered from being ravaged by Cyclone Gabrielle in Feb 2023.

This gorgeous site can be seen with the backdrop of the snow covered Ruahine Ranges in the distance.

While the game embraces a relaxed and informal approach, utilizing natural terrain features like hills, trees, gullies, and even livestock, it’s far from a walk in the park.

Pekapeka Wetlands are located in the 98 ha Pekapeka Regional Park, managed by Hawke's Bay Regional Council but some portions on private land.

From Wairoa, head towards Lake Waikaremoana on SH38.

Ōtātara Pā spans an upper pā (Hikurangi) and a lower pā (Ōtātara).

The Junior Bike Track aka Traffic Light Park on Marine Parade has been specifically designed for young children to learn basic road safety, in a safe and fun manner.

The approximately 3km stretch of iconic seafront connects Napier with the Pacific Ocean, with stunning vistas encompassing Māhia Peninsula in the north to Cape Kidnappers in the south.

This wide, smooth path affords stunning views across the Pacific Ocean, Tukituki River and countless vineyards (it's the GREEN section on the Hawke's Bay Trails map).

A picturesque 9 hole golf course, situated amongst the peaceful surroundings of Forest Domain, you would be hard pushed to find a warmer welcome elsewhere.

First-time cavers can explore Mangaone Caves - enjoy karst-type features, stalactites, stalagmites and calcite wall coverings.

Several walking tracks wind through lush plantings up to the top end of the gardens - which are adjacent to the old Napier Cemetery and provide a solemn but fascinating insight into the history of those who once inhabited the township.

A great spring/summer day trip, pack a picnic, walking shoes and swimwear for a splash in the stream.

From Wairoa, head towards Lake Waikaremoana on SH38.

The Highway 50 trail guides visitors through dense native bush that once covered much of the inland bay.  The trail area was developed into farmland by the cutting, clearing and milling of the bush.

The Waipukurau Pavement walk guides visitors through significant historical areas of Waipukurau.

The walkway project is led by the Whangawehi Catchment Management Group, a community initiative including Marae, landowners and agencies whose focus is to protect the Whangawehi stream.

The Tukituki trail is a network of trails for walkers and bikers in Central Hawke's Bay.

Insecure Delusion are back in the Bay at the famous Cabana to give Tool fans a fix with their tribute to the greats - whether you missed out on the real deal or just want to get out amongst Tool fans again for a night of the best rock songs around - Insecure Delusion are ready to deliver this May 2026!