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Central Hawke's Bay
3.2 km
1 hour
70 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you are looking for a slice of ancient New Zealand tucked away from the coastal breeze and vineyard rows of Hawke’s Bay, the Mohi Bush Track is a destination that belongs at the top of your list. Located on the rolling heights of the Maraetotara Plateau, this 61-hectare scenic reserve is a vibrant, breathing remnant of the vast forests that once covered this region.
Whether you’re a local looking for a fresh Sunday morning stroll or a visitor wanting to see the "real" New Zealand bush without embarking on a multi-day trek, this easy loop offers a deeply immersive experience for very little effort.
Stepping onto the Mohi Bush Track feels like entering a different world. One moment you are driving through the open, pastoral landscapes of Central Hawke’s Bay, and the next, you are enveloped in a cool, green cathedral of ancient trees. The track is a 3.17km loop that typically takes about an hour to complete at a leisurely pace, making it an ideal choice for a morning or afternoon excursion.
The terrain is categorised as easy, with a modest elevation gain of just 70 metres. However, don't let the "easy" rating fool you into thinking it's a paved city path. This is a true bush walk. The trail is well-formed and reasonably flat, but it winds its way through a dense understory where exposed roots and occasional muddy patches are part of the charm.
As you set off from the shelter near the car park, you’ll notice the air temperature drop slightly—a welcome relief on a hot Hawke’s Bay summer day. The canopy is dominated by towering podocarps, including miro and matai, alongside broadleaf trees like tawa. The sunlight filters through the leaves in dappled patterns, illuminating a forest floor that is thick with ferns and emerging seedlings.
The walk offers two main options: a shorter 30-minute loop for those short on time, and the full 1-hour circuit. For the best experience, we highly recommend the full loop. It takes you deeper into the heart of the reserve where the silence is broken only by the rustle of the wind in the high canopy and the persistent chorus of native birds. It’s a fantastic spot for families and kids, as the relatively flat ground allows little legs to explore without getting too tired, though you'll want to keep an eye on those tripping hazards (roots!) along the way.
The Mohi Bush Scenic Reserve features a designated parking area on a grass patch in front of a shelter. Access to the carpark is via either a gate suitable for larger vehicles like campervans or over a cattle stop entrance. [5, 6, 7] Basic amenities, including flushable toilets and a picnic area, are available near the parking zone. [3, 22] Overnight parking is permitted for self-contained campervans, but tents and non-self-contained vehicles are not allowed due to limited facilities. [3]
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Acanthisitta chloris
The tītitiponamu is New Zealand's smallest native bird, often seen flitting quickly up tree trunks and branches.
Best time: Year-round
Best time: Year-round
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Loop
The real star of the show at Mohi Bush is the native biodiversity. Because this area was one of the first in New Zealand to benefit from intensive, dedicated possum control, the forest has a level of health and vitality that is rare to find.
Mohi Bush Scenic Reserve is located in the Central Hawke’s Bay region, specifically on the Maraetotara Plateau. It is roughly a 30-to-40-minute drive from Havelock North or Hastings.
To get there, take Waimarama Road out of Havelock North, then turn onto Tukituki Road, and eventually onto Maraetotara Road. Follow this until you reach the reserve. The drive itself is beautiful, offering views of the rugged Hawke’s Bay hinterland.
If you are a bird lover, bring your binoculars! Mohi Bush is widely regarded as one of the best spots in Hawke's Bay for birdwatching.
The highlight for many is the tītipounamu (Rifleman). This is New Zealand’s smallest bird—a tiny, olive-green ball of energy with a high-pitched call. They are relatively common here but can be hard to spot because of their size and speed. Look for them flitting frantically around the trunks of the larger trees, searching for insects in the bark.
Top Tip: The birds are most active in the early morning or late afternoon. If you move quietly and stop for a few minutes in the middle of the loop, the forest inhabitants will often forget you're there and go about their business right in front of you.
The Mohi Bush Track is a true four-season destination, but each season brings a different flavour to the walk:
The Mohi Bush Scenic Reserve is more than just a walking track; it is a remnant of the ancient Papatūānuku (Earth Mother) that has survived the massive landscape changes of the last two centuries.
Historically, the Maraetotara Plateau was a significant area for both Māori and early European settlers, though much of the original forest was cleared for farming. Mohi Bush stands as a testament to the resilience of the native ecosystem. The reserve is named after the Mohi family, who were significant figures in the local area.
The fact that this forest remains today is largely thanks to the foresight of early conservationists. As mentioned, the early implementation of possum control here became a blueprint for other reserves across the country. When you walk here, you are walking through a piece of New Zealand’s conservation history.
Once you’ve finished your loop and filled your lungs with fresh forest air, you’ll likely be looking for a spot to refuel. You have a few fantastic options nearby:
The Mohi Bush Track is a gentle reminder of the natural beauty that lies just a short drive from our urban centres. It’s quiet, it’s green, and it’s waiting for you to explore it.
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
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round