Elsthorpe – Native Forest and Trails

If you are looking for a hotel for a trip to Elsthorpe, the local nature and recreation areas provide a practical framework for planning. The main attractions are Elsthorpe Scenic Reserve, with its forest, birdlife and loop track, and other green spaces and recreation areas in the town.

Native Forest and Native Birds

Elsthorpe Scenic Reserve comprises two separate areas of mature lowland native forest, covering a total of 35 hectares. The dominant trees are Mataī, Kahikatea, Tawa and Tītoki. Tūī, Bellbird, Kererū and other common native birds live in the reserve’s bush.

The reserve’s character also includes its cultural recognition: it is covered by statutory acknowledgements recognising Heretaunga Tamatea’s special cultural, historical and traditional connection with Crown-owned land.

Loop Track and Access

The loop track gives visitors a close-up view of the natural forest. It crosses a boardwalk through lowland podocarp forest and takes 10 to 20 minutes. This time estimate gives you a practical guide for planning your walk.

The walking track is accessed via a culvert off Kairakau Road. There is a small grassy area with a picnic table there. From Ōtāne, drive along Elsthorpe Road to Elsthorpe, then turn right onto Kairakau Road; the entrance is on the right. When finding your way, note that there is no walking track along the section of Elsthorpe Road by Elsthorpe Scenic Reserve. The track is accessed through the entrance on Kairakau Road.

Other Places in Elsthorpe

Elsthorpe Domain is on Kahuranaki Road. The Central Hawke’s Bay District Council’s 2022 Reserves Management Plan lists the 5.4-hectare area as a sports and recreation park and Recreation Reserve. Facilities and uses listed include a cricket ground and a rugby field.

Elsthorpe Cemetery is also on Kahuranaki Road. The 2022 management plan lists the 8,093-square-metre cemetery as a Historic Reserve; in addition to its use as a cemetery, the area serves as open green space for recreation. This gives Elsthorpe’s places distinct roles: native forest and a loop track at the Scenic Reserve, sports and recreation areas at the Domain, and the cemetery with its open green space.

In the Wider Central Hawke’s Bay District Destination

The wider Central Hawke’s Bay District destination offers other distinctive nature experiences. A’Deanes Bush Scenic Reserve is a 38.5-hectare remnant of the original forest of the Ruataniwha Plains, characterised by Mataī and Kahikatea. Te Angiangi Marine Reserve protects 446 hectares of coastline between Aramoana and Blackhead and was established in 1997. On its extensive intertidal platform, visitors can explore rock pools and may see octopuses, crayfish, sea anemones and migratory wading birds.

The Tukituki Trail is a network of tracks in the wider Central Hawke’s Bay District destination for walkers, cyclists, mountain bikers and horse riders. It links limestone paths on river stopbanks with road connections between Waipukurau and Waipawa; motor vehicles are not allowed on the tracks. Conditions of use can change after flooding or maintenance work, so check the latest conditions before your visit.

Discover More Destinations

Raukawa, Takapau, Puketapu, Urewera National Park, Wallingford, Patoka, Eskdale, Fernhill

Back to the wider travel overview: Hawkes Bay.