Monckton Walkway

Loop

Highlights & Must-See Features

The Monckton Walkway is a feast for the eyes, especially for those who appreciate New Zealand’s unique botanical heritage. The reserve is one of the few remaining pockets of original forest in an area that has been largely converted to farmland, making every towering tree a living monument.

The Giants of the Forest: Keep your eyes peeled for the "Big Five" of the New Zealand bush. You’ll encounter majestic kahikatea (white pine), which love the damp ground near the stream, as well as ancient tōtara, mataī, tawa, and kōwhai. The sheer scale of these trees compared to the surrounding landscape is breathtaking and provides some fantastic photo opportunities—especially if you can frame a family member against the massive, mossy trunks for scale.

The Tangarewai Stream: Aside from being a fun navigational challenge, the stream is a beautiful spot to stop and reflect. There are several places where the bank flattens out, allowing you to sit by the water's edge. In the height of summer, the dappled light hitting the water creates a magical, shimmering effect that feels like something out of a storybook.

The Kōwhai Bloom: if you visit during the spring, the kōwhai trees near the water turn a brilliant, vibrant yellow. It is a stunning sight that attracts birds from kilometres away, creating a golden corridor through the green forest.

Getting There

Finding the Monckton Walkway is half the fun, taking you through the rolling green hills of Central Hawke's Bay. From State Highway 2, you’ll head inland towards the mountains, eventually finding your way to Ashley Clinton Road. It is roughly a 20-minute drive from the township of Waipukurau or about an hour from Napier or Hastings.

The trailhead is clearly marked and features a grassed car park. A word of advice for those visiting in the winter or after a week of "Hawke's Bay liquid sunshine": the car park can become quite soft and muddy. It’s a good idea to hop out of the car and check the ground on foot before you drive right in—nobody wants their hike to end with a call to a local farmer for a tow!

At the car park, you’ll find basic but well-maintained facilities, including toilets and a picnic area with barbecue facilities. It’s the perfect setup for a pre-walk briefing or a post-walk lunch.

Wildlife Spotting

For bird lovers, the Monckton Walkway is nothing short of a sanctuary. Because it is a significant remnant of native forest, it acts as a "lifeboat" for many species that struggle in open pasture.

Tūī and Bellbirds (Korimako): These are the stars of the show. Their melodic, bell-like calls echo through the canopy year-round. In spring, when the kōwhai* is in bloom, the forest practically vibrates with their energy as they compete for nectar. * Fantails (Pīwakawaka): These friendly little birds will likely follow you along the track, flitting about to catch the insects you stir up with your footsteps. Kererū: Watch for the heavy beating of wings and the flash of white "vests" as the New Zealand Wood Pigeon moves between the fruit-bearing tawa* trees. * North Island Robin (Toutouwai): If you stop quietly for a few minutes, you might be lucky enough to see a robin. They are famously curious and may even hop down to the ground near your boots to see what you’re up to. * Rifleman (Tītipounamu): Keep a sharp eye out for New Zealand’s smallest bird. They are tiny, high-pitched, and move incredibly fast, usually spiralling up the trunks of the larger trees.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

The Monckton Walkway changes its character with the seasons, making it a great year-round destination once reopened.

Spring: This is arguably the best time to visit for birdwatching and to see the kōwhai* in all its golden glory. * Summer: The deep shade of the podocarp forest offers a cool respite from the Hawke's Bay heat. The stream crossing is also much more pleasant when the water is warm and the levels are low. * Autumn & Winter: The forest takes on a moody, misty quality. The greens seem deeper and the moss more vibrant. Just be prepared for more mud on the track and potentially higher water levels in the stream.

Practical Tips for Your Visit: 1. Check the Weather: Because of the stream crossing, you should avoid this walk during or immediately after heavy rain. High flows make the crossing dangerous. 2. Footwear: Since the bridge is out, you have two choices: wear sturdy hiking boots and accept they might get wet, or pack a pair of water shoes/sandals to swap into for the crossing. 3. Timing: Aim to start mid-morning. This allows the sun to filter through the canopy, providing the best light for photos and giving you plenty of time to enjoy a picnic lunch at the trailhead afterwards. 4. No Dogs Allowed: To protect the delicate birdlife (especially the ground-dwelling robins), dogs are not permitted in the reserve.

Local & Regional Context

The Monckton Scenic Reserve is a vital part of the Central Hawke's Bay ecological landscape. Before European settlement and the subsequent large-scale clearing for farming, much of this region was covered in dense forest. This 16.5-hectare block is a "remnant," a precious piece of the original ecosystem that has survived the test of time.

The area around Ashley Clinton sits at the foot of the Ruahine Ranges, an area steeped in both Māori and colonial history. For local iwi, these forests were traditional sources of food (mahinga kai) and timber. Later, the area became a hub for the timber milling industry, which is why remnants like Monckton are so rare and legally protected today. By walking here, you are stepping back into what the "old" Hawke's Bay looked like centuries ago.

After the Walk

Once you’ve finished your loop and dried off your feet, don’t head straight home! The nearby village of Ongaonga (about 11km away) is a must-visit. It is one of the best-preserved historic villages in New Zealand.

For a hearty meal or a cold drink, head to the Sandford Arms Tavern. It’s a classic country pub with a friendly atmosphere where you can swap stories with the locals. If you’re after something lighter, the Ongaonga General Store is a delight. It’s a beautifully restored historic building where you can grab a coffee, a world-class ice cream, or a local map to plan your next Central Hawke's Bay adventure.

The Monckton Walkway is more than just a path through the trees; it’s a connection to the wild heart of the region. Keep an eye on local conservation updates for its reopening—it is an experience you won’t want to miss.

11km away

A charming historic general store in Ongaonga, where visitors can grab a map of the historic village and enjoy a cup of tea or ice cream.