Bell Rock Loop Track
WalkHawke's Bay
- Grade
- Easy
- Walking time
- 3 hr
- Distance
- 5. 3 km
- Dogs
- No dogs
Getting there
We have not checked a road end or car park for this place yet, so we do not give driving directions to it. Check how to get there before you go. Some routes cross private land and need the landowner's permission.
How to get there, on doc.govt.nzBoundary Stream Mainland Island is located approximately one hour's drive north of Napier. Follow State Highway 2 to Tūtira, turn left at Tutira onto Matahorua Road then left onto Pohokura Road.
The final 20 minutes 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.
The car park is small and can fill up quickly, especially on summer and public holiday weekends. Do not block the road or farming access routes when parking. Be cautious of approaching traffic if walking down the road.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Map
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 39.10006° S, 176.78907° E
About this place
This track climbs through forest to Bell Rock, an iconic lookout with expansive views.
The route
From the Pohokura Road entrance, the Bell Rock Loop Track climbs through a forest of gnarled broadleaf, horopito/pepperwood, fuchsia and mataī. The track emerges onto the range though a dense stand of mountain holly providing spectacular midsummer floral displays. Bell Rock is 40 minutes further along the left track. The right track returns to Pohokura Road via a 4WD track and provides panoramic views, including the Mohaka valley to Te Kooti’s Lookout and further afield to Whirinaki Te Puaa-Tāne Conservation Park. Return via Pohokura Road. Bell Rock has dangerous drop offs. Extreme care is required at all times, and extra caution in windy or wet weather. Always supervise children.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Know before you go
What to expect
Unfenced steep drops Muddy and slippery track after rain Steep and strenuous in places Fully exposed to the weather on parts of the track
Predator control
Boundary Stream Mainland Island has extensive predator control. This protects rare native birds like kiwi, kōkako and kākā. Do not disturb traps and bait stations. There is a network of predator traps throughout the area, marked by pink and blue triangles. Follow the orange triangles to stay on the walking track.
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.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Nearby stops
Shine Falls Roadend Amenity Area
Hawke's Bay • 6.8 km
Shine Falls Roadend Amenity Area is on Heays Access Road in Boundary Stream Scenic Reserve. It is for self-contained vehicles only, with a maximum stay of four…
Everetts Campsite
Basic • Hawke's Bay • 7.4 km
Everetts Campsite is a basic campsite located in Hawke's Bay. Vehicle access is closed, but the site remains accessible on foot or by bike.
Non-powered/tent sites • Water from stream • Toilets
Galbraith Hut
Hawke's Bay • 8.3 km
Galbraith Hut is a backcountry hut located in the Hawke's Bay region. The provided records do not include specific details about its facilities or location.
Glenfalls Campsite
Hawke's Bay • 11 km
Glenfalls Campsite is a basic campsite in the Hawke's Bay region. It offers opportunities to fish, swim, canoe, or raft in the river.
Non-powered/tent sites • Water from stream • Toilets - non-flush
Tutira Lodge
Hawke's Bay • 17 km
Tutira Lodge is a hut located in the Hawke's Bay region. Access to the facility is restricted to members only.
Walks nearby
Notes from people who have been
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Sources
- DOC Tracks (API) · CC BY 4.0Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai. Data sourced from the DOC Developer Portal (api.doc.govt.nz).