Māpiri Track

Out and back

Highlights & Must-See Features

The absolute standout of this walk is the Māpiri Beach itself. While many New Zealand beaches feature dark volcanic sand or golden hues, Māpiri is famous for its distinctive white rocks. These weathered pieces of calcium-rich mudstone are scattered along the shoreline like natural sculptures.

If you have timed your visit with a low tide, the walk doesn't have to end at the 1-kilometre mark. You can continue for another three kilometres south along the beach to Māpiri Point. This stretch is geologically fascinating; you’ll see the transition from the soft, unstable "grey papa" rock cliffs to the much harder, fine-grained white mudstone. It’s a photographer’s dream, especially when the white rocks contrast against the deep blue of the Pacific.

Another highlight is the restored wetland. It is rare to see such a successful large-scale ecological project on private land. The sheer density of the native plantings is impressive, and it provides a lush, green contrast to the open farm paddocks. It serves as a living reminder of what the coastal New Zealand landscape looked like before it was cleared for agriculture.

Getting There

Finding the trailhead is part of the rural adventure. From Gisborne, head south on State Highway 2. Keep an eye out for the Maraetaha River Bridge; immediately after crossing it, you’ll take the turn-off. You’ll find yourself driving through the beautiful Nicks Head Station, passing by functional farm buildings like the wool shed and the orchard shed.

Please remember that you are on a working farm. Drive slowly and be mindful of farm vehicles or livestock. Follow the signs to the designated parking area, which is easily identifiable by a large oak tree on the right side of the road. There is a small green wooden gate next to a larger farm gate—this is your entry point. From this gate onwards, the road becomes a private driveway, so please ensure you park in the correct spot and respect the "No Entry" signs for vehicles.

Wildlife Spotting

Thanks to intensive pest control and the massive replanting efforts at Nicks Head Station, the Māpiri Track has become a sanctuary for native birds.

In the bushy sections and among the flax, you are almost guaranteed to see the friendly pīwakawaka (fantail) flitting around your head, hoping you’ll kick up some insects. Listen for the unmistakable "woosh-woosh" of the kererū (New Zealand pigeon) or the melodic chime of the tūī.

Down at the estuary and on the beach, the cast of characters changes. This area is a critical habitat for shorebirds. Keep your eyes peeled for the New Zealand Dotterel—a small, pale bird that nests in the sand. You might also spot the Variable Oystercatcher with its bright orange beak, or the Pied Stilt wading in the shallows.

Pro Tip: If you see fenced-off areas on the upper beach or near the estuary, these are nesting sites. Always walk below the high-tide mark during spring and summer to ensure you don't accidentally disturb a nest. These birds are masters of camouflage, and their eggs look exactly like pebbles!

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

The Māpiri Track is a joy in Spring, Summer, and Autumn, but each season brings a different flavour:

• Summer: This is the best time for beach exploration and river wading. The sea breeze is refreshing on a hot Gisborne day.
• Autumn: The light is softer, making for incredible photos of the white mudstone cliffs. The air is often still and crisp.
• Spring: The wetlands are vibrant and full of new growth, and the birdlife is at its most active.
• Important Note: The track is closed every year from July 1st to September 30th for the lambing season. This is a crucial time for the farm, and the closure must be respected.

• Footwear: Sturdy walking shoes are fine, but if you plan to walk to the point at low tide, consider shoes you don't mind getting sandy or wet.
• Sun Protection: The East Coast sun is legendary for its intensity. There is very little shade on the track, so wear a hat and plenty of sunscreen.
• Water: There are no water taps along the way, so bring a bottle with you.
• Tide Chart: If you want to do the full beach walk to the point, check the tide times before you leave Gisborne. You want to be hitting the beach on a falling tide.

Local & Regional Context

The area around Māpiri and Nicks Head Station is steeped in history. The headland itself is known as Te Kuri-a-Pāoa (The Dog of Pāoa) in Māori tradition, referring to the dog of the captain of the Horouta waka. To Europeans, it is known as Young Nick’s Head, famously being the first piece of New Zealand land sighted by Nicholas Young aboard Captain Cook’s Endeavour in 1769.

The conservation work here is part of a wider effort to restore the biodiversity of the Tairāwhiti region. By walking this track, you are witnessing a private-public partnership in action, where food production and environmental protection exist side-by-side. The name Māpiri itself refers to the "white" nature of the rocks, a literal description of the geological uniqueness of this specific bay.

After the Walk

After an hour or two of fresh sea air, you’ll likely have worked up an appetite. Since you are just south of the city, your best bet is to head back into Gisborne (roughly 20 minutes away).

• Sunshine Brewery: A local favourite for a post-hike craft beer and a wood-fired pizza. It has a great relaxed atmosphere that fits the hiking vibe perfectly.
• Flagship Eatery: Located in the heart of town, this is the place to go for a high-quality brunch or a "proper" coffee. Their seasonal menu often features local produce.
• The Works: If you’re after something a bit more substantial, this restaurant on the wharf offers great views and excellent Kiwi cuisine.

The Māpiri Track is a wonderful reminder that you don't need to hike for days to find something truly special. It’s short, sweet, and showcases the very best of the Gisborne coast. Enjoy the quiet, respect the farm, and take plenty of photos of those iconic white rocks!