Te Mata Peak, Havelock North

Te Mata Peak is the place to go for 360° views of Hawke’s Bay. Visitors can see Napier and Mahia Peninsula to the north and east, hill country to the south and east, and the Ruahine, Kaweka and Maungaharuru ranges beyond the fertile Heretaunga Plains. Mount Ruapehu is often visible in the distance.

Te Mata Peak is part and parcel of Maori legend and occupation. Visitors can run, walk or mountain bike through 99 hectares of beautiful parkland on a series of well graded tracks. Be sure to include a stop in the spectacular Redwoods forest – a 223 grove of California redwoods. The longer walking circuits take about two hours but shorter walks, suitable for both leisure and more active walkers, are signposted along the way. For maps and tracks and more info see www.tematapark.co.nz. You can also drive to the top via Te Mata Peak Road, to enjoy spectacular views of Hawke’s Bay. You can book a 2 hour cultural tour of Te Mata Peak and the Pou or a 4 hour tour which also includes visiting Waimarama and the ancestral lands of Maori with Waimarama Maori Tours. The peak also provides prime soaring sites for hang gliding and paragliding, mountain biking and road cycling, abseiling, orienteering and Nordic walking. There is unique and unusual flora and fauna and spectacular limestone cliffs. There are public toilets and picnic facilities available at the main Gates entrance on Te Mata Peak Road.