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Key facts
- Distance
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 20 min
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Mōrere Springs 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
Discover one of the east coast's last remaining tracts of native coastal forest with its many nikau palms - it's a short, easy walk that's great for kids.
This DOC directory entry covers Nikau Loop Track in Gisborne, within Mōrere Springs 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: 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
This well-marked, all-weather track is mostly flat with some gentle inclines. It's suitable for families.
Nikau Loop Track in Morere Springs Historic Reserve
For a more challenging walk, branch off on the Ridge Track or Mangakawa Track.
Getting there
This track is in Mōrere Recreation Reserve, 40 km east of Wairoa and 58 km south of Gisborne.
Access is via Tunanui Road. This is around 1 km north of the Mōrere Hot Springs entrance. Entrance to the tracks is about 500 m from SH2. There is no formed carpark at this entrance.
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.
