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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: -41.02465, 172.90581. 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
- 800 m return via same track
- Walking time
- 10 min return
- Track grade
- Easiest
- Location
- Kahurangi National Park / Motueka area
- 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
A short walk past rock formations to a lookout with excellent views.
This DOC directory entry covers Hawkes Lookout Walk in Tasman, within Kahurangi National Park / Motueka area. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 800 m return via same track
- Walking time: 10 min return
- DOC grade: Easiest
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
This short walk passes dramatic rock formations and sinkholes, which are part of the special karst landscape of Tākaka Hill. The track leads to a viewing platform. This overlooks the Riuwaka River and has spectacular views of Tasman Bay and the mountains of the Richmond Range and Kahurangi National Park.
Supervise children and keep to the track at all times. There are deep, hidden sinkholes and unstable, sharp rock formations.
Getting there
Hawkes Lookout is on State Highway 60, around 14 km from Riwaka town.
Know before you go
Camping is prohibited. Fires are not allowed.
Keep to the track at all times and supervise children. This area contains unstable, sharp rock formations. There are sinkholes which may be hidden by grass and shrubs. Some sinkholes may go down hundreds of metres.
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.
