White Pine Bush Scenic Reserve walks: Walking Guide, Time & Access

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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 information

Location source

DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.

Reference point: -39.28631, 176.87917. 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 /1.6 km loop
Walking time: 30 min / 40 min
Track grade: Easy
Location: Tūtira 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

Experience New Zealand's remaining coastal forest on these short, easy walks.

This DOC directory entry covers White Pine Bush Scenic Reserve walks in Hawke's Bay, within Tūtira 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 /1.6 km loop
Walking time: 30 min / 40 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.

White Pine Bush Scenic Reserve walks top loop partially closed; First published on 26 August 2026. Last reviewed on 1 September 2026.

Dog access

No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

Short loop

Time: 30 minDistance: 800 m

The short loop is suitable for prams and wheelchairs. You may prefer to complete the path in an anticlockwise direction as there is more downhill.

At the top of the short loop track, there are two picnic tables, a perfect spot to sit and listen to the songs of native birds while enjoying a picnic lunch.

The walk includes several bridges, educational panels and a towering nīkau grove.

Longer loop

Time: 40 minDistance: 1.6 km

Follow the longer loop track to see some large kahikatea and a great view over parts of the reserve.

Note the longer loop track that extends above the picnic area is not pram or wheelchair accessible.

Getting there

White Pine Bush Scenic Reserve is 30 km north of Napier on SH2.

Nature and conservation

Kahikatea (white pine) is the predominant feature in this 19 ha of bush while a stand of nīkau palms provide their own unique natural beauty.

A picturesque stream and small waterfall are both visible from the track – sometimes small fish, eels and koura (freshwater crayfish) can be seen.

Do not touch the giant stinging nettle (ongaonga), especially in summer, when its full of new growth. Despite their fierce reputation, nettles are the exclusive food of the 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.