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Napier
2.3 km
36 minutes
50 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you are looking for a breath of fresh air without having to leave the city limits, the Napier City Council Park Island Walkway is one of those local secrets that perfectly balances recreation, nature, and a deep sense of history. Nestled in the heart of Napier’s largest sports reserve, this 2.3-kilometre loop offers far more than just a place to stretch your legs; it is a journey through a landscape transformed by one of New Zealand’s most significant natural events.
Whether you are a local Napierite looking for a new jogging route, a family with a pram in tow, or a tourist wanting to understand the unique geography of Hawke’s Bay, this easy-going trail is an absolute gem. With a modest 50-metre elevation gain and well-maintained paths, it’s accessible to almost everyone, offering a peaceful 35 to 40-minute escape from the urban hustle.
Stepping onto the Park Island Walkway, you’ll immediately notice the sense of space. The trail begins near the bustling sports fields of Clyde Jeffery Drive, but as you move further into the loop, the sounds of whistles and cheering crowds fade, replaced by the rustle of pohutukawa leaves and the chatter of local birdlife.
The terrain here is remarkably gentle. Because much of this land was once underwater (more on that later!), the majority of the track is flat and easy on the knees. You’ll find yourself wandering along wide, well-groomed paths that weave through a mix of open green spaces and sheltered groves. There are a few small, manageable inclines that provide just enough of a lift to give you a vantage point over the surrounding plains and the distant hills of the Esk Valley.
The walk feels like a series of "rooms." One moment you are strolling alongside the Taipo Stream, where recent riparian restoration projects have brought back a lush, watery ecosystem. The next, you are moving through more manicured parkland or passing the quiet, reflective grounds of the Park Island Cemetery. Because it is a loop, there is a lovely sense of completion to the walk, and it’s virtually impossible to get lost. It’s the kind of trail where you can switch off your brain, let your feet follow the path, and simply soak in the Hawke’s Bay sun.
Ample parking lots are available at the Park Island sports reserve, with primary vehicle entry via Clyde Jeffery Drive.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Best time: Year-round
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
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A popular local coffee spot known for its consistent, quality takeaway coffee and friendly service in a cozy atmosphere.
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Loop
The standout feature of Park Island isn’t just what you see today, but the story of how it came to be. For those interested in geology, the entire area is a living monument to the 1931 Hawke’s Bay Earthquake. Before the quake, this land was part of the Ahuriri Lagoon—a vast expanse of tidal mudflats and inlets. The seismic shift of 1931 lifted the land by roughly two metres, draining the lagoon and creating the "island" we walk on today. Standing in the middle of the park and realizing that less than a century ago, you would have been underwater, is a humbling experience.
Key features to look out for include:
Accessing the Park Island Walkway is incredibly straightforward, making it a popular choice for a quick lunch-break walk or a weekend family outing. The primary vehicle entry is via Clyde Jeffery Drive, located in the suburb of Tamatea/Taradale.
There is ample parking throughout the sports reserve. Even on busy Saturday mornings when netball, rugby, or football are in full swing, you can usually find a spot further down the drive near the trailhead. The park is well-signposted, and the loop can be started from several points around the perimeter of the sports fields, though the main entrance off Clyde Jeffery Drive is the most common starting point.
For bird lovers, Park Island is a surprising sanctuary. The combination of open fields, the Taipo Stream, and established native trees attracts a variety of New Zealand’s finest feathered residents.
Pro Tip: Early morning is the best time for birdwatching here. The park is quieter, and the "dawn chorus" in the riparian zones is quite special.
Napier is famous for its Mediterranean climate, which means the Park Island Walkway is a fantastic year-round destination.
The area around Park Island is deeply significant to local iwi (tribes). Before the 1931 earthquake, the Ahuriri Lagoon (known as Te Whanganui-a-Orotū) was a vital source of food and resources for Māori. The "islands" within the lagoon, including what we now call Park Island, were used for various purposes, including gardening and as lookout points.
Following the earthquake and the subsequent uplift of the land, the area was reclaimed and eventually developed into the premier sports hub it is today. This transition from a rich aquatic ecosystem to a bustling recreational park is a central chapter in the story of Napier's rebirth. When you walk here, you are literally walking on the "new" New Zealand—land that has only existed above sea level for less than a century.
One of the best parts of a walk at Park Island is the proximity to some of Napier’s best cafes. After finishing your loop, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to refuelling.
Whether you're looking for a quick morning jog or a slow Sunday stroll with the family, the Napier City Council Park Island Walkway offers a perfect slice of Hawke's Bay life. It’s easy, beautiful, and steeped in the unique history that makes Napier such a fascinating place to explore.
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
Zosterops lateralis
Small bird with distinctive white eye-ring. Commonly seen in flocks, feeding on insects, fruit, and nectar.
Best time: Year-round
Gerygone igata
Small greyish songbird also known as Riroriro. Has a distinctive trembling song often heard before seen.
Best time: Year-round
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