Kinikini Road is another option for photo enthasistics with vews popping out from every corner of the narrow, gravel winding road. It is a one way track so you will have an opportunity to spot excellent vantage points either way. Kinikini Road leads to the Mahia Peninsula Scenic Reserve Track.
Mahia Peninsula Scenic Reserve Track
Wander through the 374 ha Mahia Peninsula Scenic Reserve to a lookout that offers visitors excellent views of the Wairoa Coast and the reserve.
The loop track takes you through one of the best examples of semi coastal forest on the North Island east coast. Tawa and Kohekohe forest is varied with stands of nikau, rimu, rewarewa. Ferns provide a filtered green light in the gullies and stream beds. Walkers will be fording several streams. sturdy footwear is recommended. Listen and observe native wood pigeons, the fat bellied kereru who dart and take flight on hearing your footsteps. They swoop between trees and glide through gaps in the canopy, their feathers whistling in flight. If you are patient and stay in one place you will watch the kereru return to their favourite feeding spots.
There is a picnic area part way along the track. It’s a perfect spot to stop and have a break beside the stream. For further information click here Mahia Peninsula Scenic Reserve Track: Mahia Peninsula Scenic Reserve, East Coast region.
Walk through one of the best examples of semi coastal forest on the east coast of the North Island on this loop track – it’s suitable for older children.
DOC safety notice: German wasps and their nests are common along this track in summer months. Take care, and consider visiting at another time if you are allergic to wasp stings. The track is clearly marked with orange triangles where necessary, markers of other colours may be present but these indicate biodiversity work areas and are not walking tracks. Do not follow any markers other than the orange track markers.
MORERE HOT SPRINGS
24 km or 25 minutes drive is Morere Hot Springs an easy day trip from either Gisborne, Wairoa or Mahia.
Original lowland native forest are the setting for modern bathing and spa facilities of the Morere Hot Springs. There are a number of excellent walking tracks among the 364 hectares of forest. Stands of nikau palms are magnificent as well as rainforest staples such as ferns due to the microclimate of high rainfall and fertile soil. There is a camping ground adjacent to the hot springs, a general store and a gift shop both in the general store and at the Morere Hot Springs resort.