Boundary Stream Walks

Track category

Walking track

Description

Bell Rock at Boundary Stream

Bell Rock Loop Track

Time: 3 hr return
Distance: 5.3 km

This track features a variety of vegetation and seasonal bird activities. The track climbs through mixed beech and podocarp to a forest dominated by gnarled beech and mountain holly trees and panoramic views The low canopy provides opportunities to view large numbers of tui, bellbird and kereru. Expansive views from the top of the range include Mahia Peninsula, Te Kooti's Lookout, and the Kaweka mountain range.

Tumanako Loop Track - Interpretation Nature Walk

Time: 40 min return
Distance: 2 km

This track provides access to a variety of forest types, birdlife and viewpoints. Evidence of a pioneer logging history and subsequent natural forest recovery can be seen within a compact area. Gentle land contours are ideal for a wide spectrum of visitors, particularly primary school children.

Kamahi, tawa, red and black beech forests, and a variety of birds including robin, whitehead rifleman, kokako, and bellbird. Uncommon plants are neinei (Dracophyllum latifolium), yellow-flowered mistletoe and kaka beak.

Kamahi Loop Track

Time: 2 hr return
Distance: 4.5 km

This track is dominated by large areas of kamahi forest and provides expansive views of the reserve. The track passes through a mature podocarp forest for the first 400 metres. An ancient matai of about 800 years old grows near the loop track junction. Along the bluff tops, aerial displays from kereru, tui and bellbird (korimako) are often visible. Key site for visitors to observe vegetation recovery and the reserve's diverse vegetation.

Heays Access Road to Shine Falls Track

Time: 1 hr 30 min return
Distance: 2 km

This popular track within the lower, warmer and less-exposed part of the reserve provides a contrast in vegetation and landforms to those seen elsewhere. The track crosses farmland and beneath towering sandstone bluffs before entering the reserve. The mixed lowland forest includes kanuka, kawakawa, kowhai and titoki. Kaka beak grows on the cliffs. The track leads to Hawke's Bay's most spectacular waterfall, the 58-metre Shine Falls.

Kamahi Loop Track to Shine Falls and Heay's Access Road

Time: 5 hr one way
Distance: 8.3 km

Starting at the Tumanako carpark and encompassing part of the Tumanako and Kamahi Loop Tracks, this loop track enables visitors to experience a cross-section of the reserve's features including a rich mixture of tawa, hinau, matai and rewarewa. Many birds, including rifleman and the reintroduced North Island robin (toutouwai) may be seen.

Getting there

Boundary Stream Mainland Island is located approximately one hour's drive north of Napier. Follow State Highway 2 to Tutira, turn left at Tutira onto Matahorua Road then left onto Pohokura Road.

Activities

Bird and wildlife watching

You can see native birds throughout Boundary Stream. The haunting song of kokako can often be heard at the Tumanako carpark, and you may even lucky to catch a glimpse of this special New Zealand bird. Our native freshwater eels can sometimes be seen in the Shine's Falls pool.

Child/family friendly activities

Bring a picnic and take an easy stroll around the Tumanako Track. This track is suitable for families, with a visitor shelter and toilets adjacent to the carpark. Colourful displays telling the stories of the reserve are located around the track and at the shelter.

Specialist activities: Photography

There are wonderful opportunities throughout the reserve to photograph native plants and animals, and you can capture panoramic views from Bell's Rock.

Swimming

You can enjoy a scenic swim in the Shine's Falls pool.