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Matamata
400 metres
12 minutes
20 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you are looking for a quick escape into nature without embarking on an all-day expedition, the Hawes Bush Walk is an absolute gem. Tucked away just five kilometres north of the bustling, world-famous town of Matamata, this delightful 0.4-kilometre loop track offers a peaceful retreat into a rare, untouched pocket of ancient New Zealand. Taking only about 10 minutes to complete, it is the ultimate "nature fix" for busy locals, road-tripping tourists, and families looking for an easy, rewarding outdoor activity.
As soon as you step onto the track, the sounds of the nearby rural roads fade away, replaced by the gentle rustle of leaves and the sweet, melodic calls of native birds. The path meanders gently through an undulating yet largely flat landscape, making it exceptionally accessible. With an elevation gain of just 20 metres, this easy trail is ideal for walkers of all fitness levels, including toddlers with tiny legs and older adults looking for a gentle stroll.
The path itself is well-formed and easy to navigate. You will find yourself walking beneath a magnificent, towering canopy of mature kahikatea (white pine) trees. These giants of the swamp forest filter the bright Waikato sunlight, casting beautiful, dappled shadows across the forest floor and creating a cool, refreshing microclimate. It is a sensory experience: the earthy scent of damp soil, the vibrant green of the ferns, and the cool forest air make this short walk feel like a journey back in time.
Best of all, this trail is completely kid-friendly and dog-friendly. It is a fantastic place to introduce young children to the wonders of the New Zealand bush without the worry of steep drop-offs or difficult terrain. Dogs are also very welcome to join in on the adventure, though they must be kept on a lead at all times to ensure the safety of the local wildlife and to protect the delicate undergrowth of this precious reserve.
Despite its short length, the Hawes Bush Walk packs a massive punch when it comes to natural beauty. The undeniable star of the show is the stand of mature kahikatea trees (Dacrycarpus dacrydioides). These are New Zealand's tallest native trees, capable of growing up to 60 metres high. Walking amongst these ancient forest giants, with their straight trunks reaching up like pillars in a green cathedral, is an incredibly humbling experience.
Off-street parking is available by the entrance of the reserve, at the corner of Mills and Walker Street in Waharoa. Parking is also available on the grass outside the forest.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Gerygone igata
Small greyish songbird also known as Riroriro. Has a distinctive trembling song often heard before seen.
Best time: Year-round
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
5.4km away
A classic Kiwi gastropub in Matamata town centre, offering hearty fare, a great range of beers and wines, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for post-hike refreshments or family meals.
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Loop
For the keen photographer, the play of light through the dense canopy offers endless opportunities. Look down, and you will find an intricate tapestry of native ferns, mosses, and emerging seedlings blanketing the forest floor. It is a thriving, miniature ecosystem that showcases the incredible biodiversity of the Waikato region.
Another highlight of this walk is the inspiring community story behind it. The reserve is lovingly cared for by the Friends of Hawes Bush and the Piako Waihou Catchment Trust. As you walk the loop, you can appreciate the fruits of their labour—active pest control and ongoing native replanting initiatives have breathed vibrant life back into this forest, ensuring that future generations can enjoy this ecological sanctuary.
Finding the Hawes Bush Walk is incredibly straightforward, making it an easy add-on to any Waikato itinerary. The trailhead is located in the quiet settlement of Waharoa, just a quick five-minute drive north of Matamata.
To get there, head towards the corner of Mills and Walker Street in Waharoa. There is ample, convenient off-street parking available right by the entrance of the reserve. Alternatively, if the off-street area is full, visitors can easily park on the grass verge just outside the forest boundary.
Please keep in mind that this is a pristine, low-intervention natural reserve. There are no public toilets or rubbish bins on-site. Visitors are asked to practice the principles of Leave No Trace by packing out whatever they pack in. If you do need public facilities or a spot to tidy up, the nearest public toilets are located just a short drive away at the Waharoa Rest Area.
For bird lovers, the Hawes Bush Walk is a pocket-sized paradise. Because this native forest patch is actively managed for pests, birdlife has absolutely flourished here.
Tip for spotting wildlife: The best technique is simply to stop walking for a minute or two. Find a quiet spot beneath a kahikatea, stand still, and let the forest settle. You will be amazed at how quickly the birds reveal themselves once you become still.
Best Time of Day: Early morning and late afternoon are the absolute prime times to visit. Not only is the lighting spectacular as the low sun angles through the tree trunks, but this is also when the "dawn chorus" and "dusk chorus" of the birds are at their absolute peak.
What to Bring: Since the walk is short and easy, you do not need heavy hiking boots—a comfortable pair of sneakers or walking shoes is perfect. Bring a camera or smartphone to capture the beautiful scenery, a bottle of water, and some insect repellent, particularly during the warmer summer months.
To fully appreciate the Hawes Bush Walk, it helps to understand the history of the surrounding landscape. Before European settlement and the subsequent development of agriculture, the fertile Matamata plains were covered in vast, watery lowland wetlands and dense, swampy kahikatea forests.
As the land was drained and cleared for dairy farming, almost all of these majestic forests vanished. Hawes Bush is an incredibly rare and precious remnant of that original, ancient ecosystem. It stands as a living museum, offering a tangible connection to the pre-agricultural landscape of the Waikato.
The ongoing preservation of this land is a testament to the passion of the local community. The tireless efforts of the Friends of Hawes Bush and the Piako Waihou Catchment Trust serve as a wonderful example of Kiwi conservation in action, restoring the health of the Piako and Waihou catchments one tree and one pest trap at a time.
Once you have finished your peaceful bush walk and stretched your legs, you are perfectly positioned to enjoy some of the fantastic hospitality that the Matamata area has to offer.
Here are three highly recommended local spots to refuel, all located just over five kilometres from the trailhead:
Zosterops lateralis
Small bird with distinctive white eye-ring. Commonly seen in flocks, feeding on insects, fruit, and nectar.
Best time: Year-round
Nestor meridionalis
Large forest parrot found in native bush. Loud and social, increasingly common in predator-controlled sanctuaries.
Best time: Year-round
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
5.5km away
Matamata's 'coolest little café' offering excellent coffee, menu options, and freshly made cabinet food, with a friendly, family-owned atmosphere.
5.5km away
A popular Matamata eatery with a comfortable, local feel, serving a seasonal menu with 'legend dishes' like crispy pork belly, fish 'n' chips, and gourmet burgers, catering to various dietary needs.