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Waipatiki Beach, north of Napier
3.5 km
1 hour 30 minutes
120 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you are looking for a slice of prehistoric New Zealand tucked away just a stone's throw from one of the Hawke’s Bay’s most beautiful beaches, the Waipatiki Scenic Reserve Walk is calling your name. Located roughly 32 kilometres north of Napier, this 3.5km loop is a local favourite that manages to fly just under the radar of the main tourist trail, making it the perfect escape for those who want to swap the city sounds for the "whoosh" of a wood pigeon’s wings.
Whether you are a Napier local looking for a weekend leg-stretcher or a visitor exploring the East Coast, this trail offers a unique blend of towering ancient forest and sweeping coastal vistas. It is a moderate walk that packs a lot of punch into its 1.5-hour duration, taking you from the forest floor to a high-point lookout that will have you reaching for your camera before you’ve even caught your breath.
The Waipatiki Scenic Reserve Walk is a journey of two halves. The trail begins with a bit of a "wake-up call" for your legs—a steep, 20-minute uphill climb right out of the gate. While it might get the heart rate up, the path is well-maintained and winds through a dense, emerald-green canopy that keeps you cool even on a hot Hawke’s Bay summer afternoon.
As you ascend, the terrain is dominated by a thriving remnant of coastal kahikatea forest. This is a rare sight in the region, as much of this type of ecosystem was cleared for farmland in decades past. Walking through here feels like stepping back in time. You’ll find yourself surrounded by majestic kahikatea (white pine) trees, some of which are estimated to be up to 600 years old. These giants are complemented by a lush understorey of nikau palms and fragrant kanuka groves, creating a multi-layered forest experience that smells as good as it looks.
The track is a loop, so once you’ve conquered the initial climb and soaked in the views at the top, the return journey is a much gentler descent back toward the coast. The trail is generally wide enough for kids to navigate easily, making it a fantastic family outing, though the "moderate" rating is worth noting—you’ll want a reasonable level of fitness to enjoy that first incline without too much huffing and puffing!
Parking for the Waipatiki Scenic Reserve Walk is available at a designated spot at the bottom of the hill, approximately 500 metres before Waipatiki Beach. Alternatively, parking is also available at the beach picnic area at the end of Waipatiki Road. Public toilets are conveniently located at the nearby campground.
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
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
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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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Once you’ve finished the loop and your legs are feeling that "good tired," there are a few great ways to refuel:
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
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
Ninox novaeseelandiae
Native owl also known as Ruru. Named for its distinctive two-note call heard at night.
Best time: Year-round (nocturnal)
Gerygone igata
Small greyish songbird also known as Riroriro. Has a distinctive trembling song often heard before seen.
Best time: Year-round