Elsthorpe Scenic Reserve consists of two separate blocks of mature lowland native forest, mainly mataī, kahikatea, tawa and tītoki with a regenerating undergrowth of small-leaved shrubs throughout the 35ha. Tūī, bellbird, kererū and other common native birds inhabit the bush. 

Access to the walking track is via a style located off Kairakau Road where a small grassed area with a picnic table is located. The track crosses a boardwalk bridge that loops through the lowland podocarp forest and takes 10-20 minutes.

There is no track through the Elsthorpe Road section of the reserve.

An ongoing weed control operation is underway throughout this reserve to support native regeneration. Some of the problem weed species include hawthorn’s, privet and plum trees.

At Otane, turn off SH2 onto Elsthorpe Road. Follow this for 21 km to Elsthorpe. Turn right onto Kairakau Road, the entry is on the right. Note the Elsthorpe Road part of the scenic reserve has no walking tracks through it.