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Morere Recreation Reserve, Wairoa
1 km
18 minutes
30 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you find yourself cruising along State Highway 2 between Wairoa and Gisborne, you might be tempted to keep your foot on the accelerator to reach your destination. However, tucked away in the Morere Recreation Reserve is a slice of prehistoric New Zealand that demands a slower pace. The Nikau Loop Track is a gentle, 1-kilometre journey that serves as the perfect introduction to one of the last remaining tracts of native coastal rainforest on the East Coast.
From the moment you step onto the path, you are enveloped in a lush, emerald world. The air here feels different—cooler, damp, and heavy with the scent of moss and ancient earth. This is a true rainforest environment, thriving thanks to the region's high rainfall and the fertile mudstone soils that lie beneath the canopy. The track itself is an all-weather surface, meticulously maintained and well-marked, making it an incredibly accessible option for almost everyone.
As you begin the loop, you’ll notice the terrain is predominantly flat, with only a few gentle inclines that barely raise the heart rate. This makes it an absolute winner for families with small children. Your little explorers will feel like they’ve stepped into a scene from Jurassic Park as they wander beneath the towering fronds. The path meanders alongside the Mangatawa Stream, which provides a constant, soothing soundtrack of bubbling water. There’s something deeply restorative about walking through a forest that has remained largely unchanged for centuries, and the Nikau Loop offers that experience without requiring a full day of hiking or heavy-duty boots.
Because the reserve spans 364 hectares, the Nikau Loop Track feels like a concentrated "taster" of the wider forest. You aren't just walking through a stand of trees; you are walking through a complex, vibrant ecosystem. The track is designed to showcase the diversity of the undergrowth, where ferns and mosses fight for space on the forest floor, while the giants of the New Zealand bush reach for the sunlight far above. It’s a short walk, taking only about 20 minutes (0.33 hours), but it’s the kind of place where you’ll want to linger, taking deep breaths of that crisp, oxygen-rich air.
The undisputed star of the show here is, of course, the nīkau palm. These are New Zealand’s only native palm tree and the southernmost palm in the world. On this loop, they are everywhere. Their smooth, green trunks and dramatic, sweeping fronds create a tropical atmosphere that feels surprisingly exotic for the East Coast. They are particularly photogenic when the sunlight filters through the canopy, catching the vibrant green of the leaves.
Access to the Nikau Loop Track is primarily via Tunanui Road, approximately 1 km north of the Morere Hot Springs entrance and about 500 metres from State Highway 2. There is no formal car park at this specific entrance, so parking is roadside. Alternatively, visitors can access the wider Morere Scenic Reserve and its network of tracks through the main entrance of the Morere Hot Springs complex, where ample parking is available. Please note that a fee is charged to enter the hot springs complex, which includes access to the bush walks.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
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
Anthornis melanura
Endemic songbird with bell-like calls. Males are olive-green with a purple head sheen; females are browner with a narrow white-yellow stripe across the cheek.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
200m away
A barbecue cafe offering hearty meals and a relaxed atmosphere, conveniently located very close to the Morere Hot Springs and track access.
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Loop
But don't let the palms distract you from the "Big Five" of the New Zealand forest. As you look upward, you’ll spot magnificent specimens of rimu, tōtara, mātai, tawa, and kohekohe. These trees are the pillars of the reserve, some of them having stood here long before European settlers arrived. Keep an eye out for the pūkatea, which often grows impressive buttress roots to support itself in the soft, damp soil—a fantastic sight for those interested in forest ecology.
Another highlight is the Mangatawa Stream. At several points, the track brings you close to the water's edge. In the height of summer, the cool microclimate created by the stream and the dense shade is a welcome relief from the Hawke's Bay heat. For those who enjoy macro photography, the stream banks are often covered in intricate mosses and delicate ferns that make for stunning close-up shots.
The Nikau Loop Track is located approximately 40 kilometres east of Wairoa and 58 kilometres south of Gisborne. If you are travelling along State Highway 2, the turn-off is well-signposted for the Morere Hot Springs.
There are two main ways to access the loop:
The Morere Recreation Reserve is a biodiversity hotspot, and the Department of Conservation (DOC) works hard here with pest control programmes to ensure native species can flourish. As a result, the birdlife is prolific and vocal.
The most common bird you’ll encounter is the tūī. You’ll hear them before you see them—listen for their complex melodies, clicks, and whistles. They are often joined by the bellbird (korimako), whose song is famously clear and flute-like.
One of the most charming sights in the reserve is the kererū (New Zealand pigeon). These large, heavy birds are often seen perched precariously on thin branches, gorging themselves on berries. Their flight is unmistakable—a loud, rhythmic "whoosh-whoosh" of wings that echoes through the trees.
If you visit during the spring or summer months, keep an ear out for the shining cuckoo (pīpīwharauroa). Its distinctive, rising whistle is a classic sound of the New Zealand summer. And if you happen to be in the area at dusk, you might hear the haunting "more-pork" call of the ruru, our native owl.
Pro Tip: For the best birdwatching, try to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the "dawn and dusk chorus" is at its peak. Bring a pair of binoculars and stand still for a few minutes near the stream; the birds are much more likely to show themselves if you are quiet and patient.
The Nikau Loop Track is truly a walk for all seasons. Because the track is well-formed and the forest is evergreen, it never loses its magic.
Please Note: This track is not dog-friendly. To protect the native birdlife and the delicate ecosystem, dogs are strictly prohibited within the Morere Recreation Reserve.
Morere is a place of deep significance. For centuries, the area was known to Māori for the healing properties of its ngāwhā (hot springs). The name "Morere" refers to a traditional swing, often placed over water, suggesting the area has long been a place of recreation and enjoyment.
Geologically, the area is fascinating. The hot springs are unique because they are "fossilised" seawater. The water that bubbles up at Morere has been trapped underground in ancient rock layers for thousands of years, gaining a high salt and mineral content that makes it feel quite different from the volcanic springs you find in Rotorua or Taupō.
The reserve itself is a precious remnant. Much of the East Coast’s original coastal forest was cleared for farming in the 19th and 20th centuries. The 364 hectares protected here offer a rare window into what this entire coastline would have looked like hundreds of years ago. By walking the Nikau Loop, you are supporting the conservation of this vital "island" of biodiversity.
Once you’ve finished your loop and your lungs are full of fresh air, you’ll likely be looking for a bit of refreshment. Luckily, you don't have to go far.
Whether you’re a local looking for a weekend escape or a tourist exploring the Pacific Coast Highway, the Nikau Loop Track is a small walk that leaves a big impression. It’s easy, beautiful, and a perfect reminder of the ancient natural heritage of New Zealand.
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
Ninox novaeseelandiae
Native owl also known as Ruru. Named for its distinctive two-note call heard at night.
Best time: Year-round
Chalcites lucidus
A migratory brood parasite, the shining cuckoo lays its eggs in the nests of other birds, primarily grey warblers, and its return to New Zealand in spring is considered a messenger of the season.
Best time: Spring-Summer
500m away
A casual cafe located within the Morere Hot Springs complex, offering refreshments, snacks, and light meals for visitors enjoying the hot pools and surrounding bush walks.
700m away
A welcoming lodge offering accommodation and likely providing dining or bar services to guests and potentially the public, a short walk from the hot springs and reserve.