This reserve is the northeastern limit of beech trees on Banks Peninsula. There are good views from the lookout at the top. There's a good contrast between wetter and drier faces, and many of the rocky bluffs are home to many interesting herbs.

From the DOC sign on Hickory Bay Road, the track climbs through snow tussock and scrub up to the Hickory Bay ridge. It then goes along the ridge to a rocky outlook on a 12 m bluff near the centre of the reserve.

The lookout offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The track then drops down to the Hickory Bay ridge through beautiful beech forest to meet with Hickory Bay Road, with a short walk back to the beginning.

From Akaroa, find Long Bay Road and drive 7 km up it to the Summit Road junction known as the 'Cabstand'. Turn onto Hickory Bay Road and travel 1 km to the signposted car park.

From the carpark walk down the road for 5 minutes to pick up the start of the track. The track start is marked with a DOC sign.

• The top of the track is exposed and can be affected by bad weather. For example, strong winds and low cloud. Stay to the marked track.
• Parts of the track cross exposed rocks and steep sections.
• Fires are not allowed in the reserve.
• There is no toilet located here – the nearest public toilet is in Akaroa village or at the Otepatotu Reserve. This reserve is 7.5 km along the Summit Road.

Take care near stinging nettle

Urtica ferox (ongaonga) is an endemic stinging nettle and common in this area. Take care not to touch these plants as they have a very strong sting. Ongaonga are an important host plant of Vanessa gonerilla (kahukura), the endemic red admiral butterfly.