Best hikes and walks in Hawke's Bay

Hawke’s Bay is a great region to explore on foot – especially if your campervan travel itinerary includes time by the coast. These walks make the most of the region’s seaside charm, with options ranging from half-day hikes to laid-back seaside tracks. 

Cape Kidnappers Walk

Distance and difficulty: 19 km return; moderate to hard (tide-dependent) 
Best for: Bird lovers, keen hikers, nature photographers 

Highlights: This rugged track leads you along the coastline to the Cape Kidnappers Gannet Reserve, where you’ll spot one of the largest mainland gannet colonies in the world. The walk is tide-dependent, so planning ahead is a must – but the mix of ocean views, cliffs and wildlife makes it worth the effort. 

Tips: Check tide times before you go – this track is only accessible at low tide. Wear sturdy shoes and bring sun protection as there’s little shade along the way. 

Napier Rotary pathway

Distance and difficulty: Varies depending on section; easy 
Best for: Families, cyclists, casual walkers 

Highlights: If your road trip includes time in Napier, the Rotary Pathway is a great option for getting out for a walk. This coastal trail is shared by walkers and cyclists and winds past beaches, estuaries, and cafés – ideal for a relaxed break from driving. 

Tips: Sections of the path are pram- and wheelchair-friendly. For a longer outing, link up multiple sections or stop off for lunch in Ahuriri. 

Ocean Beach to Waimarama Walk

Distance and difficulty: 7 km one way; moderate 
Best for: Beach walkers, those wanting a quieter option 

Highlights: The walk from Ocean Beach to Waimārama is a more remote experience, with no official track – just wide open beach, sea views, and cliffside scenery. It’s peaceful and feels far from the usual tourist spots. 

Tips: Check tide times before you set off and bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. You’ll need to organise a pickup at the other end unless you’re walking back. 

Image: Tourism New Zealand

Scenic bush walks in Hawke’s Bay

If your campervan travels are taking you inland, Hawke’s Bay offers a few great bush walks well worth adding to your road trip itinerary.  

Bell Rock Loop track (Mangaraho Rock)

Distance and difficulty: 5 km loop; moderate 
Best for: Photographers, day hikers, geology fans 

Highlights: The Bell Rock Loop Track is a rewarding short hike that takes you through native bush and up to one of the best viewpoints in the region. The trail climbs steadily through regenerating forest to a limestone outcrop that looks out across farmland and rolling hills. 

Tips: The track can be a bit rough in places, so sturdy footwear is recommended. It’s a good idea to carry water, especially in the warmer months. Allow a couple of hours to take your time on the loop. 

White Pine Bush Scenic Reserve

Distance and difficulty: 1 km loop; easy 
Best for: Families, anyone looking for a short stop 

Highlights: White Pine Bush is an easy forest walk that’s ideal for a quick break from driving. The loop track weaves through mature kahikatea trees (white pine), with plenty of shade and a cool, green setting. It’s a peaceful spot that feels tucked away, even though it’s not far from SH2. 

Tips: This is a short walk – ideal if you’re after a quick break from the road without needing hiking gear. It’s a loop track, so you’ll end up right where you started, which is handy if you’ve parked the camper nearby. 

Maraetotara Falls walk

Distance and difficulty: 2 km return; easy 
Best for: Families, road-trippers looking for a swimming spot 

Highlights: The Maraetōtara Falls walk is a relaxed option that leads to a small waterfall with a swimming hole. The track is short and relatively flat, making it popular with both locals and visitors in the warmer months. There’s a mix of native bush and farmland along the way, with the falls at the end as a reward. 

Tips: Bring your togs if the weather’s warm – it’s a popular swimming spot in summer. The car park is suitable for campervans, but it can get busy on weekends and holidays. 

Hilltop and panoramic view walks

Travelling by campervan means you can get closer to some of the best high points in Hawke’s Bay. These tracks are ideal if you’re keen to swap wheels for walking shoes and enjoy wide-open views across farmland, forest, and the coast. 

Te Mata Peak

Distance and difficulty: 5 km loop or multiple route options; moderate to hard 
Best for: Sunrise or sunset hikes, fitness enthusiasts 

Highlights: Te Mata Peak is a Hawke’s Bay classic, and for good reason. The network of tracks offers everything from a gentle uphill stroll to a more challenging loop. From the top, you’ll get expansive views across the Heretaunga Plains, and on a clear day, you can even spot Mt Ruapehu. 

Tips: If you’re short on time or don’t feel like the full climb, there’s a road to the summit with parking available. The trails can be exposed, so bring a hat and water, especially in summer. 

Kaweka Forest Park tracks

Distance and difficulty: Multiple options, from 2 km to multi-day hikes; moderate to hard 
Best for: Experienced hikers, those after a more remote walk 

Highlights: The Kaweka Forest Park is where you’ll find rugged tracks, alpine bush, and a real sense of wilderness. It’s about an hour’s drive inland from Napier, so it suits those with a bit more time in their campervan itinerary. Walks range from short return hikes to serious overnight tramps. 

Tips: Cell reception is limited, and the terrain can be steep and remote. Check conditions before you go and carry a map. Best suited to experienced hikers with good fitness. 

Tangoio walkway

Distance and difficulty: 4 km return; moderate 
Best for: Walkers looking for a mix of scenery 

Highlights: The Tangoio Falls and White Pine Bush tracks combine to create a walk with a bit of everything – forest, waterfalls and panoramic views out towards the coast. The track loops through native bush and opens up to views that make the moderate climb worthwhile. 

Tips: After rain, parts of the track can get muddy, so it’s worth wearing decent footwear. Allow 1–2 hours for a relaxed return walk. 

Short walks in Hawke’s Bay

Not every walk needs to take up half a day. These shorter tracks are great for breaking up your road trip without needing to factor in extra planning. Easy to reach and easy to walk, they’re perfect for a quick nature fix between campervan stops. 

Image: Tourism New Zealand

Pekapeka Wetlands walk

Distance and difficulty: 1 km loop; easy 
Best for: Families, bird watchers, anyone after a short nature stop 

Highlights: The Pekapeka Wetlands walk is a well-formed boardwalk through a protected wetland area, just south of Hastings. It’s an easy loop with plenty of opportunities to spot native birds and learn about the area’s ecology from the interpretation panels along the way. 

Tips: There’s a car park nearby that can accommodate campervans. Early morning or late afternoon is often best for bird activity. 

Mohi Bush Walk

Distance and difficulty: 2 km loop; easy 
Best for: Nature lovers, bird watchers, those wanting a peaceful break 

Highlights: The Mohi Bush track is a quiet loop walk through native forest, with plenty of birdsong and old-growth trees along the way. The track is well maintained and mostly flat, making it a good option if you’re looking for something low-key without sacrificing the forest feel. 

Tips: Bring insect repellent, especially in warmer months. It’s a great detour if you’re heading inland from the coast. 

A’Deane’s Bush Walk

Distance and difficulty: 1.5 km loop; easy 
Best for: Families, walkers interested in native bush and conservation 

Highlights: A’Deane’s Bush is home to some impressive tōtara trees and is managed as a predator-free area. It’s a quiet, leafy walk with a good mix of flora and plenty of space to wander and slow down. 

Tips: The track is flat and well-marked, with a picnic area nearby if you’re stopping for lunch. Keep an eye out for native birds as you walk. 

Campervan-friendly tips for exploring Hawke’s Bay walks

One of the best parts of travelling around Hawke’s Bay by campervan is the flexibility it gives you to go from forest to coastline – and still have time to stop for coffee or a swim along the way. Here are a few tips to help make your walking-filled road trip smooth and memorable. 

Explore the food scene

Hawke’s Bay is one of New Zealand’s leading food and wine regions, so it’s well worth carving out time between walks to enjoy what’s on offer. The area is packed with roadside fruit stalls, artisan producers, cellar doors, and weekend farmers’ markets. From freshly picked stone fruit in summer to locally made cheeses, olive oil, and baked goods, there’s no shortage of options to fill the fridge in your camper. Long lunches at vineyard restaurants are a popular way to relax after a morning on the trail, and the local cafés are known for excellent coffee and generous cabinet food.  

To help plan a few tasty treats and indulgent meals, check out our foodies guide to Napier and Hawke’s Bay. 

Best campervan sites near popular trails

Finding great places to stay in your campervan is simple in Hawke’s Bay – and many campgrounds are close to the region’s best walking tracks. The thl Roadtrip app is a handy tool for booking campgrounds on the go, checking availability, and discovering nearby attractions. It’s a good idea to download it before you hit the road. Here are a few spots to consider adding to your itinerary: