10 October 2026
Partly cloudy. Easterlies, dying out in the evening.
Loading outdoor place details…
KiwiTools
Search KiwiToolsFind tools, guides and categories in one place.
Loading photo
1 / 7Boundary Stream area
Shine Falls Track
This site is currently closed. The walking track to Shine Falls was severely damaged during Cyclone Gabrielle. Bridges and tracks are no-longer passable.
This track is currently marked closed. Confirm the latest alert before travelling.
Distance
4.4 km
Walking time
1 hour 30 mins return
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
Shine Falls Track on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Shine Falls Track
This popular track, suitable for children, passes through scenic reserve and farmland, taking in native forest and limestone bluffs and into mixed forest made up of kānuka, kawakawa, kōwhai and tītoki before emerging at the base of Hawke’s Bay’s highest waterfall, Shine Falls. The area is home to a diverse range of native birds including the North Island brown kiwi, kaka, kokako, NZ falcon and kereru. Large populations of more common species including tui, bellbird, whitehead and North Island robin are also present. Threatened plants such as kakabeak and yellow-flowered mistletoe may be spotted by the keen-eyed. Top tip: Pack a picnic lunch and look for tuna (eels) living in the stream at the base of the falls.
Essential preparation for Shine Falls Track
Shine Falls Track remains closed due to extensive damage caused by Cyclone Gabrielle. Restoration work will start in July 2026, and contractors will be working throughout the track corridor. For the safety of the public and work crews, no access is permitted beyond the closure point while work is underway. Respect all closures, signage, and barriers. The track will reopen once it is safe to do so, and this notice will be removed.
Before you walk Shine Falls 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.