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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -39.91867, 176.81569. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- 600 m loop
- Walking time
- 20 min
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Central Hawke's Bay reserves
- Dog access
- No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
The loop track provides visitors with a close view of this attractive stand of native forest in Elsthorpe Scenic Reserve.
This DOC directory entry covers Elsthorpe Scenic Reserve Loop Track in Hawke's Bay, within Central Hawke's Bay reserves. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 600 m loop
- Walking time: 20 min
- DOC grade: Easy
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
Elsthorpe Scenic Reserve consists of two separate blocks of mature lowland native forest, mainly mataī, kahikatea, tawa and tītoki with a regenerating undergrowth of small-leaved shrubs throughout the 35ha. Tūī, bellbird, kererū and other common native birds inhabit the bush.
Access to the walking track is via a style located off Kairakau Road where a small grassed area with a picnic table is located. The track crosses a boardwalk bridge that loops through the lowland podocarp forest and takes 10-20 minutes.
There is no track through the Elsthorpe Road section of the reserve.
An ongoing weed control operation is underway throughout this reserve to support native regeneration. Some of the problem weed species include hawthorn’s, privet and plum trees.
Getting there
At Otane, turn off SH2 onto Elsthorpe Road. Follow this for 21 km to Elsthorpe. Turn right onto Kairakau Road, the entry is on the right. Note the Elsthorpe Road part of the scenic reserve has no walking tracks through it.
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is published in DOC's official route gallery with an explicit reuse licence. Its original caption and credit are retained; it does not establish current track conditions.
