Kamahi Loop Track
WalkHawke's BayOpen
- Grade
- Easy
- Walking time
- 2 hr
- Distance
- 4.5 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 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.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Map
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 39.10926° S, 176.82092° E
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About this place
The walk passes through podocarp forest, passes an ancient mataī tree and a 'ghost forest' of regeneration kāmahi trees
The route
The Kamahi Loop Track passes through mature podocarp forest for the first 400 metres. An ancient mataī grows near the junction of the loop track. Along the bluff tops, aerial displays from kererū, tūī and korimako/bellbird are often seen. This is a key site for visitors to observe vegetation recovery and the diverse vegetation of the reserve. The ‘ghost forest’, a monoculture of kāmahi trees, sprang up after fires swept through the area around 100 years ago. The kāmahi is one of the first trees to regenerate when land has been cleared. It provides a stable environment that allows other species, like podocarp and broadleaf, to mature. Once these species reach the canopy they will out-compete the kāmahi for light and the forest will revert to its original state.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Know before you go
What to expect
Steep sections Muddy after rain Sturdy footwear recommended
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 • 4.4 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…
Galbraith Hut
Hawke's Bay • 10.1 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.

Everetts Campsite
Basic • Hawke's Bay • 10.3 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
Glenfalls Campsite
Hawke's Bay • 13.2 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 • 14.7 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 & Trails · CC BY 4.0Data sourced from the Department of Conservation (DOC), New Zealand.
- 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).


