Hāpūpū/J.M. Barker Historic Reserve Walk: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

See Moriori rakau momori (tree carvings) on this bush walk.

This DOC directory entry covers Hāpūpū/J.M. Barker Historic Reserve Walk in Chatham Islands, within Hāpūpū/J.M. Barker Historic Reserve. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.

Distance, time and grade

• Distance: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
• 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

Hāpūpū protects Moriori rakau momori (tree carvings or dendroglyphs) and the kopi groves that were planted by Moriori.

Walk through mature kopi forest with an understorey of mahoe saplings. In the first half of the bush walk, see the Rakau momori that have been carved on the trunks of many kopi trees. The walk continues through the kopi grove and heads out over the sand dunes to the beach along Hanson Bay.

Getting there

Head north from Waitangi on the North Road, turn right at the signposted turnoff 6 km from Kaingaroa. The reserve is at the end of the road adjacent to the old Hāpūpū airstrip.

Know before you go

How to visit

Visitors are limited to local whanau. Other visitors must book in with a guided tour with DOC-approved operators.

The breakdown of the rakau momori has seen a limited number remaining in Hāpūpū. Support us by respecting this site and observing the following protocols:

• Stay on the tracks which are clearly marked – don’t go off the tracks

• Do not touch the trees – this will cause damage to the bark

• Stand 2 meters away from the trees to avoid standing on the tree roots.

• Respect the site as a culturally and historically significant place.

Beware of falling trees and branches

The track passes under trees which are at risk of falling or dropping branches. The risk is highest during strong wind. We recommend not visiting when there is strong wind and not lingering under dead or dying trees.

The track is uneven

There are many tree roots on the track, take care while walking through the reserve.

Tsunami risk

All of New Zealand’s coastline is at risk from tsunami. See a map of Chatham Island tsunami zones. Evacuate if you:

• feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up, or a weak rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more

• see a sudden rise or fall in sea level

• hear loud and unusual noises from the see

• or if you receive an official warning of a tsunami that could flood land.

See a map of the tsunami zones at Hāpūpū.

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 a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.