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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: -43.70353, 172.89781. 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
- 900 m loop
- Walking time
- 30 min
- Track grade
- Easiest
- Location
- Banks Peninsula area
- Dog access
- Dogs on a leash only. 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
This walk through stunning lowland podocarp forest is suitable for young children and family groups.
This DOC directory entry covers Hay Scenic Reserve walk in Canterbury, within Banks Peninsula 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: 900 m loop
- Walking time: 30 min
- 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
Dogs on a leash only. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
This flat track on the valley floor of Pigeon Bay passes alongside a bubbling stream and through ancient forest. This walk is ideal for young children and family groups. It makes a nice stop on the way down to the bay and features a giant miro tree.
From the grassy parking area on Pigeon Bay Road, head around this scenic loop track through one of the best remaining stands of lowland podocarp forest on the peninsula.
Large mataī, kaikahikatea, tōtara, and miro mix with exotics in this small reserve. The track follows the road boundary before looping back to follow a stream for the last part of the walk and returning to the parking area.
Getting there
From Christchurch follow the Christchurch to Akaroa Highway to Hilltop, then drive along the Summit Road to the Pigeon Bay turnoff. The reserve is adjacent to the Pigeon Bay road, 5 km from the turnoff.
Know before you go
Toilets
The nearest toilets are at the Pigeon Bay Reserve.
Take care near stinging nettle
Urtica ferox (ongaonga) is an endemic stinging nettle and common in this area. Take care not to touch these plants as they have a very strong sting. Ongaonga are an important host plant of Vanessa gonerilla (kahukura), the endemic red admiral butterfly.
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.
