Eskdale: River, Cycling and a Rich History

Eskdale brings together a park on the Esk River, a mountain bike park, wine tasting and a church whose history commemorates a fallen soldier. Nature, active experiences, good food and drink, and culture sit side by side here.

Park and the Esk River

Eskdale Park covers 12 hectares beside the Esk River, of which 7 hectares are open to the public. The park provides access to popular swimming spots along the river. Take care when swimming, as cyclone debris may be present in the water. Check local advice about water quality and hazards beforehand.

The park entrance is on Shaw Road, which branches off State Highway 5, the Napier-Taupo Road. On the southern side is a designated off-leash area for dogs, extending to the end of the access road. Park facilities may change during ongoing restoration work.

Cycling and wine in Eskdale

A mountain bike park is located in the privately owned Pan Pac Tangoio forest in Eskdale. Operating conditions may vary, so check them before your ride. For a different cycling perspective in the wider destination of Hastings District, the Hawke’s Bay Trails offer 200 kilometres of easy-riding cycle trails through Hastings District and Napier. They are among New Zealand’s 23 Great Rides. This makes it possible to consider a mountain bike park and longer, easy-riding cycle trails as different options when planning your trip.

Linden Estate produces boutique Hawke’s Bay wines in Eskdale and offers visitors wine tastings. Tastings can be booked using a booking form; check availability before you arrive. The listed address is on State Highway 5. For a meal, Valley d’Vine Restaurant serves lunch from 12 to 3 pm, Thursday to Sunday. Dinner is available from 6 pm until late, Thursday to Saturday. Check current opening hours before your visit.

Eskdale War Memorial Church

Eskdale War Memorial Church is on State Highway 5 in Eskdale. Local landowner Thomas Clark built it with his daughter Annie in memory of Annie’s husband, Lieutenant Percival Moore Beattie. He fell at Le Quesnoy on 4 November 1918. The church was dedicated on 3 December 1920. These specific names and dates give the memorial a personal story that goes beyond a general remembrance of war.

The church welcomes everyone who wishes to visit, attend services or become part of the faith community. Visiting arrangements may change, so check in advance if you are planning a visit or service.

Experiences in the wider destination of Hastings District

The wider destination of Hastings District offers other ideas to include in your plans. The Hastings Heritage Trails pass through cultural, historical and scenic highlights. They complement the memorial site in Eskdale by offering a broader perspective on the culture and history of Hastings District. These regional attractions are distinct from the town of Eskdale.

Choose where to focus your stay

If you would like to include other cycle trails or Heritage Trails, the wider Hastings District is another distinct point of reference for your planning. This lets you assess Eskdale as a place to search based on the interests that matter to your stay.

Discover more destinations

Fernhill, Puketapu, Bridge Pa, Wallingford, Havelock North, Waipukurau, Takapau, Elsthorpe

Back to the wider travel overview: Hawkes Bay.