10 October 2026
Partly cloudy. Easterlies, dying out in the evening.
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1 / 1Central Hawke's Bay reserves
Elsthorpe Scenic Reserve Loop Track
A great opportunity to walk through mature lowland podocarp forest with excellent examples of kahikatea, matai, miro and tōtara.
Distance
1.36 km
Walking time
20 min
Difficulty
Easy
Dogs
Not allowed
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
No active alerts found. Conditions can still change, so check again before leaving.
Weather outlook
Hawkes Bay forecast
Issued 10 Oct 2026, 4:55 pm
11 October 2026
Mainly fine, with areas of early morning fog. Showers developing in the afternoon, possibly heavy with thunderstorms and hail, clearing in the evening. Northwesterlies developing for a time in the morning and afternoon.
12 October 2026
Fine, then a few showers developing about the ranges in the afternoon. Northeasterlies developing for a time in the afternoon.
13 October 2026
Mainly fine, but isolated showers in the afternoon. Northwesterlies developing in the morning.
14 October 2026
Fine, but becoming cloudy in the evening. Northwesterlies.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Elsthorpe Scenic Reserve Loop Track on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
Essential preparation for Elsthorpe Scenic Reserve Loop Track
Track description This short, little-known loop starts by a grass area with a picnic table. It’s a flat walk through a small patch of podocarp forest. This is a remnant of what once would have covered the Central Hawke’s Bay region. There are lots of native birds, so bring your binoculars if you have them. It’s a good walk for all fitness types, but is not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies. Cell coverage should be working. No toilets are on site, but there are some at Kairakau Beach. This is a 15 minute drive to the coast. Getting there The track is located on Elsthorpe Road. From Elsthorpe town, cross the bridge and the track is just on your right. There is a small grassed area for parking. Use this location in Google Maps to find your way there. Helpful resources Find tips, guides and how-to videos to help you prepare for your walk at mountainsafety.org.nz
Dog access for Elsthorpe Scenic Reserve Loop Track
No dogs.
Before you walk Elsthorpe Scenic Reserve Loop Track
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.