Discover Central Hawke’s Bay District

A forest remnant on the Ruataniwha Plains, a protected coast, trails for a range of activities, and places with collections and garden culture shape the opportunities for discovery in Central Hawke’s Bay District.

Forest remnant and protected coast

A’Deanes Bush Scenic Reserve is a 38.5-hectare remnant of the original forest of the Ruataniwha Plains. Mataī and kahikatea trees define this forest. On the coast, Te Angiangi Marine Reserve protects 446 hectares between Aramoana and Blackhead; it was established in 1997. The two protected areas therefore differ in both their landscapes and their size.

On the large tidal platform at Te Angiangi Marine Reserve, you can explore rock pools and may see octopuses, crayfish, anemones and migrating wading birds. These wildlife sightings are possibilities, not guarantees: part of the appeal is discovering the diversity of habitats in the rock pools themselves.

Trails, activity and views

The Tukituki Trail is a network of trails in Central Hawke’s Bay for walkers, cyclists, mountain bikers and horse riders. It combines limestone paths on river stopbanks with road connections between Waipukurau and Waipawa; motor vehicles are not permitted on the trails. Conditions of use may change after flooding or maintenance work, so check current conditions before setting out.

Pukeora Lookout above Waipukurau offers a different perspective on the landscape. From there, panoramic views stretch across the Tukituki River, Waipawa and the surrounding farmland to the Ruahine Ranges. The lookout brings these landscape features together, while the Tukituki Trail focuses on activity and different types of routes.

Culture, gardens and collections

Ongaonga Museum includes historic buildings and homes, as well as historical documents, photographs, tools and machinery. These different elements offer varied ways to explore the past: through buildings and living spaces, as well as through images, written records and objects.

At Gwavas Garden & Homestead, the garden is classified by the NZ Gardens Trust as a Garden of National Significance. Guided house and garden tours are available; the garden itself is open by appointment only. Contact the operator before your visit. When planning, it is important to distinguish this visiting requirement from the availability of guided tours.

Local attractions and heritage

Russell Park in Waipukurau offers a colourful playground, a seasonal splash pad, a skate park, scooter and cycle tracks, heated indoor pools and sports facilities on the Tukituki River. The attractions range from play and water areas to sports and activities. As individual facilities may change, check current availability before your visit; the splash pad is seasonal.

The Sunday Ōtāne Market runs from 9 am to 1 pm and offers local produce, plants, crafts and vinyl records. If the market fits your plans, check the current schedule before travelling, as recurring market details may change.

The Highway 2 Trail leads to significant Māori and European heritage sites in Central Hawke’s Bay, including Waipawa and Waipukurau. The smaller townships of Ōtāne and Takapau are off the route. The Ngā Ara Tipuna Driving Tour visits seven further sites of cultural and natural significance around Waipukurau and Takapau. For orientation, it is helpful to note the distinction between the places mentioned: Waipawa and Waipukurau are on the Highway 2 Trail, while the driving tour visits sites around Waipukurau and Takapau.

Choose the right focus for your accommodation search

To choose where to stay, start by deciding which experiences you want to focus on: coastal nature and rock pools, forest, activity on the Tukituki Trail, heritage or garden tours. Waipukurau is associated with Russell Park and Pukeora Lookout; Waipawa and Waipukurau are on the Highway 2 Trail, and Gwavas Garden & Homestead is in Tikokino. Use these location references as practical guideposts, then choose accommodation that suits the activities that matter for your trip.

Discover more destinations: Hatuma, Ruahine Forest Park, Hastings District and Wairoa District.

For the broader travel overview: Hawke’s Bay.