Māhia Peninsula Scenic Reserve Track

Loop

While the track is generally well-maintained and clearly marked with orange triangles, it still feels wild. You’ll need a decent level of fitness, but it is certainly kid-friendly for older children who are used to a bit of a scramble. The sense of adventure provided by the stream crossings and the "jungle-like" feel of the forest usually keeps younger hikers well-entertained.

Highlights & Must-See Features

The absolute crown jewel of this hike is the spectacular lookout point. After you’ve put in the hard work on the uphill sections, the forest suddenly opens up to reveal a panoramic vista that will take whatever breath you have left away. From this vantage point, you can look back across the sweep of the Wairoa Coast and out over the vast, sparkling expanse of Hawke’s Bay. On a clear day, the contrast between the deep greens of the peninsula and the infinite blue of the Pacific Ocean is a photographer’s dream.

Beyond the views, the forest itself is a highlight. This reserve is a botanical treasure trove. Keep an eye out for the striking rewarewa (New Zealand honeysuckle) with its unique textured bark and needle-like leaves, and the massive, ancient rimu trees that tower over the canopy like forest sentinels. The groves of nīkau palms, with their tropical appearance, give the forest a lush, prehistoric feel that makes you half-expect a dinosaur to poke its head around a corner.

For those who enjoy a bit of serenity, the picnic area nestled beside one of the sparkling streams is a must-stop. It’s located in a natural clearing where the air is fresh and the only sound is the babbling water and the distant call of a tūī. It’s the perfect spot to unpack a sandwich, rest your legs, and truly soak in the "mana" of the forest.

Getting There

The journey to the trailhead is an adventure in itself. The reserve is located about 7 kilometres south of the main settlement at Māhia Beach. To get there, you’ll need to navigate Kinikini Road, which is narrow, winding, and unsealed.

Drive with caution, as the road can be rough with loose gravel and may have logging trucks or local farmers moving stock. After about 4.5 kilometres of driving on the unsealed section, you’ll spot a parking bay on your right. The track entrance is clearly signposted about 50 metres further up the road.

Because the road is quite narrow, it’s best to take a vehicle with decent ground clearance if possible, though a standard car can make it if driven slowly and carefully. There are no shops or facilities once you leave Māhia Beach, so make sure your petrol tank is sorted before you head up the hill.

Wildlife Spotting

The Māhia Peninsula Scenic Reserve is a haven for native birds, and the lack of heavy traffic means you’ll often have their songs all to yourself.

The most common companion on your walk will be the Fantail (Pīwakawaka). These cheeky little birds are known for following hikers, darting through the air to catch the insects stirred up by your footsteps. You’ll also frequently see and hear the Kererū (New Zealand Pigeon); listen for the heavy whoosh-whoosh of their wings as they fly between fruit-bearing trees.

High in the canopy, you’ll hear the melodic, bell-like notes of the Tūī and the delicate trill of the Grey Warbler (Riroriro). If you’re lucky and keep a sharp eye on the darker corners of the forest, you might spot a Morepork (Ruru) roosting during the day. For the truly eagle-eyed, the rare Kākāriki (New Zealand Parakeet) is occasionally seen in the reserve, identifiable by its bright green plumage and chattering call.

Tip: For the best birdwatching, try to start your walk in the early morning. This is when the "dawn chorus" is at its peak, and the birds are most active before the midday heat sets in.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

The Māhia Peninsula Scenic Reserve Track is open year-round, but each season brings a different flavour to the experience:

• Spring: This is arguably the best time to visit. The forest is vibrant with new growth, the streams are flowing well, and the birdlife is incredibly active. The temperatures are mild, making the climb much more comfortable.
• Summer: While the forest provides wonderful shade from the New Zealand sun, summer hikers need to be aware of German wasps, which can be common in the reserve during the hotter months. Always carry an antihistamine if you’re sensitive to stings.
• Autumn: Expect stable weather and beautiful golden light at the lookout. The track is usually at its driest during this time.
• Winter: The views are often the crispest in winter, but be prepared for mud. Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are a non-negotiable if you’re visiting in the cooler months.

• Footwear: Sturdy boots with good grip. The combination of steep sections, roots, and stream crossings makes sneakers a risky choice.
• Water & Food: There is no drinking water on the trail. Bring at least 1.5 litres per person.
• Sun & Bug Protection: Even under the canopy, the NZ sun is fierce at the lookout. Bring sunscreen and some insect repellent for the bush flies near the streams.
• Communication: Cell phone reception can be patchy in the depths of the reserve, so let someone know your plans before you head off.

Local & Regional Context

The Māhia Peninsula, or Te Māhia-mai-tawhiti ("the part wafted here from a distance"), holds immense cultural significance. It is the ancestral land of Ngāti Kahungunu and Rongomaiwahine. In pre-colonial times, this area was a major hub of Māori settlement due to its rich resources from both the land and the sea. When you walk through this forest, you are walking through a landscape that has provided food, shelter, and spiritual connection for centuries.

Geologically, the peninsula was once an island, eventually joined to the mainland by a sandy tombolo (the narrow strip of land you drive across to get there). The reserve itself is a vital remnant of the forest that once covered the entire peninsula before much of it was cleared for farming.

Interestingly, Māhia has recently gained international fame as the home of the Rocket Lab launch site. While the high-tech rocket launches happen further south on the peninsula, the scenic reserve offers a grounded, ancient contrast to the space-age industry nearby. It’s a place where you can appreciate the balance of New Zealand’s heritage—from ancient mana whenua traditions to modern innovation.

After the Walk

Once you’ve finished your loop and dusted off your boots, head back down the hill to the coastal settlement to refuel.

• Sunset Point Bar & Bistro: A local favourite with a relaxed atmosphere. It’s the perfect place for a cold drink and a classic "pub grub" meal while looking out over the water. Their seafood is often incredibly fresh.
• Māhia Beach Store: If you’re after something quick, you can’t beat a classic New Zealand real fruit ice cream or a bag of fish and chips to eat on the beach.
• Picnic at the Beach: If you still have some energy, head to the northern end of Māhia Beach. There are plenty of picnic tables where you can sit and watch the surfers while you recover from your hike.

Whether you're a local Hawke's Bay resident or a tourist exploring the East Coast, the Māhia Peninsula Scenic Reserve Track offers a peaceful, beautiful, and culturally rich experience that captures the true essence of New Zealand's coastal wilderness.