White Pine Bush Scenic Reserve walks

Located in Tutira area in the Hawke’s Bay region

Experience New Zealand's remaining coastal forest on these short, easy walks.

Short loop

Time: 30 min
Distance: 800 m

Resurfaced in 2024, the short loop is suitable for prams and wheelchairs. You may prefer to complete the path in an anticlockwise direction as there is more downhill.

At the top of the short loop track, there are two picnic tables, a perfect spot to sit and listen to the songs of native birds while enjoying a picnic lunch.

The walk includes several bridges, educational panels and a towering nikau grove.

Longer loop

Time: 40 min
Distance: 1.6 km

Follow the longer loop track to see some large kahikatea and a great view over parts of the reserve. 

Note the longer loop track that extends above the picnic area is not pram or wheelchair accessible.

White Pine Bush Scenic Reserve is 30 km north of Napier on SH2.

Kahikatea (white pine) is the predominant feature in this 19 ha of bush while a stand of nīkau palms provide their own unique natural beauty.

A picturesque stream and small waterfall are both visible from the track – sometimes small fish, eels and koura (freshwater crayfish) can be seen.

Do not touch the giant stinging nettle (ongaonga), especially in summer, when its full of new growth. Despite their fierce reputation, nettles are the exclusive food of the red admiral butterfly.