Central Hawke's Bay District: Forest, Coast and Culture

In Central Hawke's Bay District, a remnant of original forest, a protected stretch of coast, trails along the Tukituki River and places with their own history offer different ways to explore the area. When choosing a holiday rental, it may help to start by asking what interests you most: coastal scenery and tides, outdoor activities, or insights into history and everyday life. You can then choose your base according to the experiences you want to focus on.

A Forest Remnant and a Protected Coast

A’Deanes Bush Scenic Reserve preserves a 38.5-hectare remnant of the original forest of the Ruataniwha Plains. Mataī and kahikatea trees define this forest. Te Angiangi Marine Reserve offers a different landscape: it protects 446 hectares of coastline between Aramoana and Blackhead and was established in 1997. The two protected areas represent different aspects of the region's natural environment—forest history on the one hand, and the coast and marine environment on the other.

At Te Angiangi Marine Reserve, visitors can explore rock pools on the extensive tidal platform. They may spot octopuses, crayfish and sea anemones; migratory wading birds may also be seen. The chance to discover wildlife in the rock pools makes the changing tides a special part of this nature experience. If you're mainly looking for coastal scenery and wildlife watching, this offers a different focus from the forest remnant inland.

Trails and Views

The Tukituki Trail is a network of trails for walkers, cyclists, mountain bikers and horse riders. It includes limestone paths on the river stopbanks, as well as road connections between Waipukurau and Waipawa. Motor vehicles are not permitted on the trails. This offers different ways to get around without limiting the trail to a single activity. Trail conditions can change after flooding or maintenance work; check the latest conditions before setting out.

Pukeora Lookout above Waipukurau offers a different perspective on the landscape. From there, panoramic views extend across the Tukituki River and Waipawa, over surrounding farmland and as far as the Ruahine Ranges. The lookout complements active exploration with a place to take in the different elements of the landscape together.

Russell Park in Waipukurau brings together several recreational facilities: a colourful playground, a seasonal splash pad, a skate park, scooter and bike tracks, heated indoor pools and sports facilities on the Tukituki River. The offerings range from play and exercise to indoor swimming. Some facilities may change; check their current availability before your trip. If you're travelling with children, you can consider the park as one of several possible focuses for your trip, without limiting your stay to a single activity.

Culture, History and Regional Produce

The Highway 2 Trail leads to significant Māori and European heritage sites in Central Hawke's Bay and includes Waipawa and Waipukurau. The smaller townships of Ōtāne and Takapau lie off the route. This distinction can help with planning: the trail focuses on the two included towns, while Ōtāne and Takapau are separate detours from the route. Another way to discover places and themes is the Ngā Ara Tipuna Driving Tour. It leads to seven additional sites of cultural and natural significance around Waipukurau and Takapau.

At Ongaonga Museum, historic buildings and homes, along with documents, photographs, tools and machinery, offer insights into the past. The collection brings history to life not only through texts, but also through objects and buildings. In Tikokino, the garden at Gwavas Garden & Homestead is classified by the NZ Gardens Trust as a Garden of National Significance. Guided house and garden tours are offered there; the garden is open by appointment only. Contact the operator before your trip if you plan to visit.

Regional produce and crafts are also among the things to discover. The Ōtāne market takes place on Sundays from 9 am to 1 pm and offers regional produce, plants, crafts and vinyl records. As recurring market details can change, check the latest schedule before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Hatuma, Ruahine Forest Park, Hastings District, Wairoa District.

Return to the main travel overview: Hawkes Bay.