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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: -39.13156, 176.82984. 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
- 5.4 km loop
- Walking time
- 4 hr
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Boundary Stream area
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
Starting from Opouahi Walkway, this track crosses farmland then enters Thomas Bush.
This DOC directory entry covers Thomas Bush Track in Hawke's Bay, within Boundary Stream 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: 5.4 km loop
- Walking time: 4 hr
- 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.
Description
The track turns off from a junction half way round the Opouahi Walkway, at the far end of the lake. It heads uphill, crossing farmland before entering Thomas Bush and continues climbing up the top. It then loops around and drops down, rejoining the track before you leave Thomas Bush.
Continue back down through the farmland to the junction where you started. From there, return via the Opouahi Walkway.
It is one way however you return to the starting point. The time given includes the Opouahi Walkway sections.
Note: This track is not actively managed, marking and track visibility may not enable easy navigation.
Getting there
Start the walk from Opouahi Walkway.
Opouahi Scenic Reserve is located on Pohokura Road between Tūtira and Boundary Stream.
The final section of the drive is on an unsealed road. It is narrow, winding and steep in places. Stay left, keep headlights on, and drive to the conditions.
Know before you go
Caves and holes
This is a limestone area and there are caves, shafts and sinkholes off the track. They are unmarked and may be unstable.
If you discover an unmarked cave, shaft or sinkhole near a track, stay back and report it to DOC.
Wasps and ongaonga
There are wasps and ongaonga (native stinging nettle) in this area. We recommend carrying allergy medication and avoiding touching the ongaonga.
Report wasp nests and any large ongaonga plants to DOC.
Weather
This area can get very hot in summer. It can snow in winter. There can be high wind, rain and cold temperatures at any time of year.
Check the weather forecast before you visit.
Be ready for any weather by packing a waterproof rain jacket, warm layers and sun protection.
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.
