Napier to Awatoto (Hawke's Bay Trails)

Point to point

As you move along the coast, keep your eyes peeled for the Art Deco architecture that peeks out from the Napier cityscape. Seeing the city from this seaside perspective gives you a real appreciation for how the town was rebuilt following the 1931 earthquake.

The transition into the Waitangi Regional Park at the Awatoto end is a highlight for nature lovers. This area is a significant ecological site where several rivers converge. The "star" of the show here is the Celestial Star Compass (Ātea a Rangi), a stunning traditional Māori navigation compass located nearby. It’s a powerful place to stop and reflect on the voyaging history of the Pacific.

Finally, the Tutaekuri River mouth offers a rugged, wild beauty. The way the fresh river water mingles with the salty surf creates a dynamic landscape that looks different every single day.

Getting There Finding the start of the trail is a breeze. If you’re starting at the northern end, head to Perfume Point in Ahuriri. There is ample free and unrestricted parking along Nelson Crescent and Caroline Road. It’s a popular spot, but usually, you won’t have any trouble finding a park.

If you prefer to walk "uphill" (if you can call a 17m gain that!) or want to start from the southern end, you can find parking off Waitangi Road near the Waitangi Regional Park.

Since this is a point-to-point trail, you have a few options: 1. The Double Back: Walk the 10km and then bike or walk back (a 20km round trip is a great workout!). 2. The Car Swap: If you’re going with a friend, park one car at each end. 3. The Leisurely Loop: Many people choose to walk just a portion of the trail and return to Ahuriri for a coffee.

Wildlife Spotting Hawke's Bay is a haven for birdlife, and this coastal corridor is no exception. The mix of estuarine and marine environments means you’ll see a fantastic variety of feathered locals.

• Australasian Gannet (Takapu): You’ll often see these guys patrolling the coastline. Watch for their spectacular high-speed dives into the ocean—it’s nature’s version of an Olympic diving event.
• Red-billed Gull (Tarāpunga): A common sight year-round. They are cheeky and omnipresent, especially near the Ahuriri end.
• Bar-tailed Godwit (Kuaka): If you’re walking between spring and autumn, keep an eye on the shoreline. These incredible migrants fly all the way from Alaska to spend their summer in New Zealand.
• Little Penguin (Kororā): While they are rare to see during the day, these tiny locals do nest along the Napier coastline. If you’re walking at dusk, you might just be lucky enough to spot one returning to its burrow.

Top Tip: Bring a small pair of binoculars! The Godwits and Dotterels can be quite shy, and seeing them up close through a lens is a real treat.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips The Napier to Awatoto trail is truly a year-round destination, but each season brings its own flavour.

• Summer: This is when the bay is at its vibrant best. However, there is very little shade on this track. Start early (around 7:00 am) to beat the heat, and wear plenty of sunscreen.
• Autumn: Generally the most settled weather. The winds die down, and the ocean often looks like a sheet of glass.
• Winter: Don’t rule it out! Napier’s winters are often crisp and sunny. The views of the snow-capped Kaweka Ranges in the distance against the blue sea are spectacular.
• Spring: A great time for birdwatching as the migratory species return and the coastal plants begin to bloom.

• Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes or even sturdy sandals are fine. You don’t need heavy hiking boots for this flat surface.
• Hydration: There aren't many water fountains along the middle section, so bring a full bottle.
• Windbreaker: Even on a sunny day, the coastal breeze can have a bit of a bite.
• Sun protection: A hat and sunglasses are essential—the glare off the water can be intense.

Local & Regional Context Walking this trail is like walking through a living history book. The land you’re standing on was fundamentally changed on February 3, 1931. The massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake raised the seabed by up to two metres in places, draining much of the Ahuriri Lagoon (Te Whanganui-a-Orotū) and creating the land that now supports the airport and industrial zones.

For local Māori (Ngāti Kahungunu), this coastline and the lagoon were vital sources of mahinga kai (food gathering). While the landscape has changed significantly since colonial times, there is a strong ongoing effort to restore the wetlands and protect the indigenous species that call this area home. You’ll notice information boards along the way that detail these conservation efforts—they are well worth a read to understand the deep connection between the people and the moana (sea).

After the Walk One of the best things about finishing a walk in Ahuriri is the incredible selection of places to refuel. You’re truly spoilt for choice here.

• The Boardwalk Beach Restaurant & Bar: If you want to celebrate your 10km feat with some world-class seafood and a view of the water you just walked beside, this is the spot. It’s right at Perfume Point and has a lovely, relaxed atmosphere.
• Milk & Honey Eatery: A local favourite for a reason. Their gourmet breakfasts are legendary, and the vibe is quintessentially "Napier cool." It’s perfect for a post-hike brunch.
• The Gintrap Restaurant & Bar: If your walk finishes in the late afternoon, head here. With over 300 gins on the menu, it’s a fantastic place to sit outside and watch the sunset over the masts in the harbour.
• The Thirsty Whale: For something a bit more lively, this pub offers a great eclectic menu and plenty of outdoor seating. It’s very popular with groups and families.
• F.G. Smith Eatery: Just a short stroll from the trailhead, this cafe is tucked away in an old industrial building. Their coffee is excellent, and the international flair of their menu makes it a standout for a light lunch.

Whether you’re doing it for the fitness, the photography, or just the fresh air, the Napier to Awatoto trail is a classic Hawke's Bay experience. It’s flat, it’s beautiful, and it’s the perfect way to spend a few hours in the sun.

500m away

Napier's only specialist gin gastropub on West Quay, Ahuriri, boasting over 300 gins and fantastic food in a vibrant setting with indoor and outdoor seating.