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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: -39.13063, 177.88001. 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
- 4.5 km loop
- Walking time
- 2 hr 30 min
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Wairoa 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
Walk through one of the best examples of semi coastal forest on the east coast of the North Island on this loop track - it's suitable for older children.
This DOC directory entry covers Mahia Peninsula Scenic Reserve Track in Gisborne, within Wairoa 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: 4.5 km loop
- Walking time: 2 hr 30 min
- DOC grade: Advanced
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
Wander through the 374 ha Mahia Peninsula Scenic Reserve to a lookout that offers visitors excellent views of the Wairoa Coast and the reserve.
The loop track takes you through one of the best examples of semi coastal forest on the North Island east coast. Tawa and kohekohe forest is varied with stands of nikau, rimu, rewarewa and a fern flanked, picturesque stream.
There is a picnic area part way along the track. It's a perfect spot to stop and have a break beside the stream.
Getting there
This reserve is located 7 km south of Mahia Beach up the narrow, winding and unsealed Kinikini Road.
Know before you go
Though steep in places, the track is not difficult for someone of average fitness. Sturdy shoes are needed as there are stream crossings and you will get your feet wet.
German wasps and their nests are common along this track in summer months. Take care, and consider visiting at another time if you are allergic to wasp stings.
The track is clearly marked with orange triangles where necessary, markers of others colours may be present but these indicate biodiversity work areas and are not walking tracks. Do not follow any markers other than the orange track markers.
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.
