Kamahi Loop Track

Loop

Highlights & Must-See Features

The Kamahi Loop Track is packed with natural wonders, but there are a few standouts that you absolutely cannot miss:

• The 800-Year-Old Mataī: Early in the walk, you will encounter a truly legendary resident of the reserve—a massive mataī tree estimated to be around 800 years old. Standing at the base of this ancient giant, you can’t help but feel a sense of perspective. It was a seedling long before Europeans arrived in Aotearoa, surviving centuries of storms and changes. It’s the perfect spot for a photo, though you’ll struggle to fit the whole tree in the frame!
• The ‘Ghost Forest’: This is perhaps the most unique feature of the loop. You’ll walk through a monoculture of regenerating kāmahi trees. About a hundred years ago, fires swept through this area, clearing the original forest. The kāmahi were the first to "ghost" back into the space, creating a silver-grey canopy that acts as a nursery for the slower-growing podocarps beneath them. It’s a fascinating example of nature’s resilience and a beautiful, slightly eerie landscape to traverse.
• The Bluff Tops: As the track winds along the higher sections, keep your eyes peeled for the limestone bluffs. These rocky outcrops offer spectacular vantage points, not just for the views across the Hawke's Bay hinterland, but for spotting birds catching the thermals.
• Mainland Island Magic: The entire reserve is a testament to conservation. Because of the intensive trapping and pest management, the biodiversity here is off the charts. You aren't just seeing a forest; you're seeing what New Zealand looked like before introduced predators took hold.

Getting There

The Kamahi Loop Track is located in the Boundary Stream Scenic Reserve, approximately an hour’s drive north of Napier.

To get there, take State Highway 2 heading north toward Wairoa. Once you reach the Tutira area, look for the signposts for Pohokura Road. Follow this road as it winds up into the ranges. Be aware that the road can be narrow and gravelled in places, so take your time and enjoy the rural scenery.

The trail starts and ends at the Pohokura Road car park. You’ll find helpful information boards there, along with toilet facilities—always a plus before heading out on a two-hour trek.

Wildlife Spotting

If you are a bird lover, bring your binoculars! Boundary Stream is famous for its avian residents. Because the reserve is a "mainland island," species that are rare elsewhere thrive here.

• Kererū (NZ Pigeon): You’ll likely hear these before you see them; their wings make a distinctive "whoosh-whoosh" sound. They are common year-round and love hanging out in the canopy.
• Tūī and Korimako (Bellbird): These nectar-feeders provide the soundtrack to your walk. Their complex, melodic songs echo through the kāmahi trees.
• North Island Robin (Toutouwai): These friendly little birds are known for their curiosity. If you stop for a rest and scuff the dirt with your boot, a robin might just hop down to see if you’ve uncovered any tasty grubs.
• The Rare Kōkako: While they are rare and elusive, Boundary Stream is one of the few places in the region where you might hear the haunting, organ-like call of the kōkako. They are most active in the early morning.
• Kārearea (NZ Falcon): Keep an eye on the sky near the bluff tops. The kārearea is New Zealand’s only falcon and is a master of aerial displays.

Tip: The best time for birdwatching is early morning or late afternoon when the "dawn and dusk chorus" is at its peak. However, thanks to the high bird density, you’ll likely see plenty even in the middle of the day.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

The Kamahi Loop Track is a fantastic year-round destination, but each season brings its own flavour:

• Spring: This is arguably the best time for birdlife. The forest is bursting with new growth, and the birds are at their most vocal during the breeding season.
• Summer: The thick canopy provides excellent shade, making it a cool retreat from the Hawke's Bay heat. Just remember to pack extra water.
• Autumn: The air is crisp and clear, often providing the best visibility from the higher points of the track.
• Winter: While it can get chilly and the track can be a bit more slippery, the forest has a moody, atmospheric beauty in the mist.

• Gear: Wear sturdy walking shoes or boots. The descent and subsequent climb can be slippery after rain.
• Layers: The weather in the Maungaharuru Range can change quickly. Even if it’s warm in Napier, bring a windbreaker or a light fleece.
• Sun & Bug Protection: Even under the canopy, the NZ sun is fierce. Wear sunscreen and bring a bit of insect repellent for the bush flies.
• Water/Food: There is no drinking water on the track, so bring at least a litre per person and some energy-dense snacks.

Local & Regional Context

The area holds immense cultural and spiritual significance. For the local Ngāti Kurumōkihi iwi, the Maungaharuru Range is a sacred maunga (mountain). The name Maungaharuru translates to "the mountain whose rumble is heard," referring to the sound of the massive flocks of birds that used to take flight from the range in ancient times.

Legend tells that the mountain was so heavy with birdlife that the collective beating of their wings caused the ground to vibrate. Today’s conservation efforts at Boundary Stream are a beautiful way of honouring that history, working to bring back the "rumble" of birdlife to the sacred peaks.

The reserve is also a vital link in the "Cape to City" conservation project, which aims to create a predator-free corridor across the region. By walking the Kamahi Loop, you are witnessing the success of one of New Zealand's most important ecological restoration projects.

After the Walk

After two hours of forest bathing and hill climbing, you’ll likely have worked up an appetite.

On your way back down Pohokura Road toward the main highway, make a stop at the Tutira Store. It’s a classic Kiwi country dairy where you can grab a legendary tip-top ice cream or a hot pie to enjoy by the shores of Lake Tutira. It’s a great spot to stretch your legs one last time and watch the swans on the lake.

If you’re heading back toward Napier and want something a bit more substantial, stop in at Bay View. Snapper Jack’s is a local favourite for classic fish and chips, or you could visit Valley D’Vine at Linden Estate Winery for a more refined "sit-down" meal with a view of the vineyards—a perfect way to toast a successful day in the bush!