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Poukawa Basin, Hastings
1 km
48 minutes
8 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you are looking for a place where you can swap the hum of the highway for the gentle rustle of raupō and the rhythmic call of wetland birds, Pekapeka Regional Park Walkways is your next must-visit destination. Located in the heart of the Poukawa Basin, just a short 12-kilometre hop south of Hastings, this 98-hectare reserve is a shining example of nature’s resilience.
The walk itself is a gentle, 1-kilometre loop that feels far more expansive than its distance suggests. As you step onto the well-maintained gravel paths, the first thing you’ll notice is the stillness. Despite being close to State Highway 2, the wetland acts as a natural sound barrier, drawing you into a world of sedgelands and open water. With a mere 8 metres of elevation gain, this is a "stroll" in the truest sense of the word—perfect for those who want to experience the wild without needing to pack a heavy rucksack or break a sweat.
The trail is thoughtfully designed with a mix of solid paths and elegant timber boardwalks that skim just above the water's surface. Walking across these boardwalks is the highlight of the experience; it gives you an intimate, "bird's-eye" view of the intricate ecosystem below. You’ll find yourself peering into the dark, nutrient-rich waters, looking for movement among the reeds. The loop typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes, but if you’re a photographer or a keen birdwatcher, you’ll likely want to double that time to truly soak in the surroundings.
This is an exceptionally kid-friendly trail. The flat terrain and the excitement of the boardwalks make it a fantastic "starter hike" for little ones. While the water is close by, the paths are wide and stable, allowing families to explore safely. However, please remember that this is a sensitive sanctuary, so dogs are not permitted. This rule ensures the local birdlife remains undisturbed in their natural habitat.
Pekapeka is more than just a scenic walk; it’s a living classroom and a testament to ecological restoration. Here are a few things you shouldn't miss:
Ample free parking is available near the park's entrance, directly off State Highway 2, approximately 12km south of Hastings. The car park is signposted and can accommodate various vehicle types.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Poliocephalus rufopectus
This endemic, shy diving bird builds floating nests and is notable for carrying its young chicks on its back, though it is now rare in the South Island.
Best time: Year-round
Botaurus poiciloptilus
A globally vulnerable and elusive heron-like bird, renowned for its cryptic camouflage and the male's distinctive deep 'booming' call during breeding season.
Best time: Year-round
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Loop
Finding Pekapeka is a breeze, making it an ideal "spur of the moment" trip for locals and a convenient stop for tourists travelling through Hawke’s Bay.
From Hastings, head south on State Highway 2. You’ll drive for approximately 12 kilometres (about 10–15 minutes). Keep a sharp eye out for the regional park signage on your right-hand side. The entrance is well-marked and leads directly into a spacious, free car park.
The car park is large enough to accommodate campervans and larger vehicles, so it’s a great spot to pull over and stretch your legs if you’re on a longer road trip between Napier and Wellington. There is clear signage at the trailhead to guide you onto the loop.
Pekapeka is a haven for "twitchers" and casual nature lovers alike. Because the wetland is a rare remnant of a once-vast ecosystem, it attracts species that you won't find in the suburban parks of Hastings or Napier.
Pro Tip: Bring a pair of binoculars! While the boardwalks get you close, many of the more timid birds like to hide in the middle of the open water or deep within the raupō.
Pekapeka is a true four-season destination, with each time of year offering a different perspective on the wetland.
The name Pekapeka is the Māori word for our native bat. It is believed that the area was named after the long-tailed and short-tailed bats that once inhabited the caves in the surrounding hills. This area holds immense cultural significance for local iwi and is classified as waahi tapu (sacred) under the Historic Places Act 1993.
Historically, wetlands like Pekapeka were the "supermarkets" for Māori, providing a rich source of food (such as eels/tuna and birds) and materials for weaving and building. Walking through here today, you are treading on land that has sustained people for centuries.
Geologically, Pekapeka is a remnant of the vast Poukawa wetland complex. It’s one of the few remaining large-scale wetlands in a region that has been extensively drained for agriculture. This makes its conservation status incredibly important—it acts as a vital filter for the water flowing through the basin and provides a sanctuary for biodiversity that would otherwise have nowhere to go.
Once you’ve finished your loop and filled your lungs with fresh air, you’re perfectly positioned to enjoy the best of Hawke’s Bay’s hospitality.
Pekapeka Regional Park is proof that you don't need to climb a mountain to find magic in the New Zealand landscape. Whether you have an hour to kill or an entire afternoon to devote to birdwatching, this little pocket of Hawke's Bay will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired.
Zapornia tabuensis
A small, dark, and secretive rail, the spotless crake is often heard before it is seen, moving stealthily through dense wetland vegetation. [cite: 3 in previous search]
Best time: Year-round
Best time: Year-round
Hirundo neoxena
A small, agile passerine bird with metallic blue-black plumage and a forked tail, known for its swift, darting flight while catching insects.
Best time: Spring-Summer
Rhipidura fuliginosa placabilis
These inquisitive birds are known for their acrobatic flight and fanned tail, often flitting close to hikers to catch insects disturbed by their passage.
Best time: Year-round