Hawes Bush Walk

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.

Getting There

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.

Wildlife Spotting

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.

• Kererū (New Zealand Wood Pigeon): Look up into the mid-to-high canopy. You will often hear the heavy, rhythmic whoosh-whoosh of their wings before you see them. These large, metallic-green and white birds are a common sight, often seen gorging on native berries.
• Tūī: Famous for their iridescent blue-black plumage, white throat tufts, and incredibly complex, boisterous vocalizations. They are highly active and can be seen darting between the branches.
• Pīwakawaka (Fantail): These energetic little birds are incredibly friendly and will often flutter right alongside you on the path, using the disturbance of your footsteps to catch small insects.
• Riroriro (Grey Warbler): Though tiny and easily camouflaged against the grey-brown bark, their long, musical, trilling song is a constant soundtrack to this walk.
• Tauhou (Silvereye): Keep an eye out for small, busy flocks of these olive-green birds with distinctive white rings around their eyes.
• Kākā: If you are lucky, you might catch an occasional glimpse or hear the harsh, grating screech of this large, playful native forest parrot visiting from nearby hill ranges.

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.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

• Spring: Bring your camera to capture the vibrant new green growth of the ferns and the lively nesting activity of the local forest birds.
• Summer: The dense canopy provides a fantastic, cool escape from the hot Waikato sun. It is the perfect place to cool down after a day of exploring nearby Matamata.
• Autumn: The air is crisp, and the forest feels wonderfully quiet and serene.
• Winter: The evergreen native trees mean the forest remains lush and vibrant, offering a welcome splash of colour on gloomy winter days.

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.

Local & Regional Context

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.

After the Walk

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:

• 64 Coffee & Kitchen (5.5km away): Often described as Matamata's "coolest little café," this family-owned spot is a must-visit. It boasts an exceptionally warm, friendly atmosphere and serves outstanding specialty coffee. Whether you want to sit down for a full, delicious lunch menu or grab a freshly made sweet treat from their cabinet to eat on the go, this is a top-tier choice for walkers.
• Horse and Jockey (5.4km away): If you are looking for a more relaxed, hearty meal, head to this classic Kiwi gastropub located right in the Matamata town centre. With its cozy, welcoming atmosphere, it is the perfect spot for a post-walk craft beer, a glass of local wine, or a comforting pub classic like a steak night or fish and chips. It is highly family-friendly and great for groups.
• The Redoubt Bar and Eatery (5.5km away): This popular local institution offers a fantastic, vibrant atmosphere and a stellar seasonal menu. Known for their "legend dishes" like slow-cooked crispy pork belly, gourmet burgers, and classic Kiwi fish 'n' chips, they cater easily to a wide range of dietary requirements. It is a wonderful, comfortable place to sit back, relax, and chat about your day of exploring.

5.5km away

Matamata's 'coolest little café' offering excellent coffee, menu options, and freshly made cabinet food, with a friendly, family-owned atmosphere.