Waipatiki Scenic Reserve Walk

Loop

What makes this trail truly special is the transition from the deep, shaded bush to the wide-open exposure of the Hawke's Bay coastline. Here are the standout features you shouldn't miss:

• The Ancient Giants: Keep an eye out for the massive kahikatea trunks. These are New Zealand’s tallest native trees, and standing at the base of a 600-year-old specimen really puts things into perspective.
• The Coastal Lookout: This is the "hero" moment of the walk. As the canopy opens up at the highest point of the trail, you are rewarded with a panoramic view that stretches across the blue expanse of the Pacific. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Māhia Peninsula in the north and the jagged, iconic cliffs of Cape Kidnappers to the south.
• The Weta Boxes: Scattered along the trail, you’ll find specially designed weta boxes. If you are feeling brave, you can peek inside (carefully!) to see if any of these prehistoric-looking insects are hunkered down for a daytime nap. It’s a huge hit with the kids!
• The Historic Footprints: There is a deep sense of history here. Parts of the trail follow an original pre-European Māori foot track. Knowing that this very path once served as the main connection between Napier and Wairoa adds a layer of reverence to every step.

Getting There

To find this hidden gem, head north from Napier on State Highway 2. After about 20-25 minutes, you’ll turn right onto Waipatiki Road. Follow this winding road down toward the coast for about 10-12 minutes.

You have two main options for parking: 1. The Reserve Carpark: There is a designated parking area at the bottom of the hill, roughly 500 metres before you reach the actual beach. This is the most direct access point for the start of the loop. 2. The Beach Picnic Area: If you fancy a swim after your walk, you can park at the end of Waipatiki Road at the beach picnic area. From here, it’s a short, flat stroll back up the road to the trailhead.

Public toilets are available at the nearby campground, which is handy if you’ve had a long drive from town.

Wildlife Spotting

The Waipatiki Scenic Reserve is a sanctuary for native birds, and the lack of heavy traffic in the area means the birdsong can be quite spectacular.

• Tūī and Korimako (Bellbird): These are the stars of the show. You’ll hear their complex, melodic whistles throughout the walk. They are particularly active in the early morning.
• Kererū (NZ Wood Pigeon): Listen for a heavy "whoosh-whoosh" sound overhead. These large, clumsy-looking birds love the fruit of the nikau palms and are frequently seen gliding between the trees.
• Pīwakawaka (Fantail): These friendly little birds will often follow you along the track, flitting about to catch the insects your footsteps disturb.
• Ruru (Morepork): While you’re unlikely to see them during the day, you might hear their distinctive "book-ook" call if you linger near the forest edge at dusk.

Top Tip: Bring a pair of binoculars if you have them, especially for the lookout point, where you can sometimes spot gannets diving for fish in the bay below.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

• Spring: The forest is at its most vocal, and the new growth on the kanuka smells incredible.
• Summer: The shade of the kahikatea provides a welcome relief from the Hawke’s Bay sun. Plus, you can head straight into the surf at Waipatiki Beach to cool off afterward.
• Autumn & Winter: The air is crisp, and the coastal views are often at their clearest. The track can get a little muddy after heavy rain, so sturdy footwear is a must in the cooler months.

• Water: There are no taps on the trail itself.
• Sturdy Shoes: Sneakers are fine in summer, but hiking boots are better if it’s been raining.
• Sun protection: Even though much of the walk is under cover, the lookout point is fully exposed.
• Camera: For those Māhia-to-Kidnappers views!

A quick note: This reserve is a protected area, so dogs are not allowed. However, it is very kid-friendly, provided your little ones are okay with a bit of a climb at the start.

Local & Regional Context

This area isn't just a pretty face; it’s a vital piece of the Hawke's Bay heritage puzzle. Long before the road was built, this reserve was part of the primary highway for Māori travelling between the settlements of Napier and Wairoa. Later, in the 19th century, European settlers enlarged these tracks into "bridle tracks." For nearly forty years, these paths were the lifeblood of the region, used by pack trains to transport essential supplies across the rugged coastal terrain.

The reserve itself is a "remnant," meaning it’s a tiny surviving pocket of what the entire coastline used to look like. Conservation efforts here are ongoing to protect the 600-year-old kahikatea, which are some of the few remaining examples of swamp-dwelling giants in the area. By walking the trail, you’re witnessing a landscape that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.

After the Walk

Once you’ve finished the loop and your legs are feeling that "good tired," there are a few great ways to refuel:

• Waipatiki Beach: If it’s a warm day, do as the locals do—grab a towel and head to the golden sands of Waipatiki Beach for a swim. It’s one of the most picturesque beaches in the North Island.
• The Valley Road Coffee Cart: During the busier summer months, you can often find a local coffee cart near the campground or beach entrance—perfect for a post-hike flat white.
• The Snapper Jack (Bay View): On your drive back toward Napier, stop in at Bay View. The Snapper Jack is a classic Kiwi takeaway spot. Their fish and chips are legendary—grab a scoop and head to the Bay View shoreline to watch the waves.
• Crab Farm Winery: Also located in Bay View, this is a fantastic spot if you want a more "sit-down" experience. They have a cozy fire in winter and a great courtyard in summer, offering excellent local wines and platters that hit the spot after a morning in the bush.