Exploring Hinewai Reserve's Scenic Trails
Hinewai Reserve, situated east of Akaroa on Banks Peninsula, is a must-visit for those passionate about native forest restoration. Spanning over 1,250 hectares, the reserve features a network of looping walking tracks through mature forests, regenerating bush, and waterfalls. A standout feature is the accessible grove of old-growth beech trees.
Discovering the Track Network
Begin your exploration from the Long Bay Road car park, heading south along the access road to the Visitor Centre. Here, you can pick up a map detailing the various tracks. An easy loop walk from the Visitor Centre includes a waterfall, scenic viewpoints, and a site of bush regeneration following a significant slip. The terrain is varied, with gentle ascents and descents within a 100-metre range.
The waterfall is well-marked and requires a short climb to reach its base. Surrounding the waterfall are mature native fuchsia, or kōtukutuku, which have grown into unique shapes. This area contrasts with thickets of mānuka and kānuka, indicating earlier forest regeneration. Continuing along the track, you'll pass through rock falls increasingly covered by forest, with a short detour leading to an ancient tōtara tree.
The Ancient Red Beech Trees
Further along the trail, you will encounter Hinewai’s impressive ancient red beech trees, known as tawhairaunui. These trees are significant as one of the few surviving stands of large beech trees on the Banks Peninsula. Completing the loop through this forest brings you back to the track leading to the Visitor Centre. This circuit takes about 90 minutes.
For those seeking more adventure, there are full-day treks that loop around the reserve. These longer routes involve significant hill climbs of up to 450 metres, and you can start at either the top or bottom of the reserve.
How to get to Hinewai Reserve
To reach Hinewai Reserve, drive along Long Bay Road from State Highway 85, just north of Akaroa. After crossing the Akaroa crater rim, you will find the car park on the left.
After exploring Hinewai, other nearby attractions can be explored from Summit Road. You can access Le Bons Bay, Okains Bay, and Little Akaloa. Additionally, the Ōtepātotu Reserve offers another walk through a mix of ancient remnant forest and regenerating bush.
