Image: DOC
View from the lookout at the top of the Punga track, William Hartree
William Hartree Memorial Reserve walks

Located in Puketitiri area in the Hawke’s Bay region

A network of short walking tracks through varied regenerating vegetation.

William Hartree Memorial Scenic Reserve has a small network of tracks. These tracks give a good insight into the regenerating vegetation in the reserve consisting of broadleaved species, podocarps, manuka, kanuka and many tree ferns.

The Kanuka Loop track (10-20 minutes) is located nearest the lodge. This track has some steep up and downhill sections but overall is short and a good entry level track for beginners to challenge themselves. This is the best track to spot White Mistletoe.

The Punga track (10-20 minutes) branches off the Kanuka track and ends at a grassy lookout across the landscape.

The Tane Loop Track is located at the top of the reserve. This track is currently closed due to a large slip.

4333 Puketitiri Road, Puketitiri 4184. Keep a look out for the directional roadside sign 6 km past Patoka, on the left.

Puketitiri is around one hour’s drive from Napier and is near Kaweka Forest Park.

No dogs, fires or camping allowed in the reserves.

Much of the original mature vegetation was destroyed by logging in the 1930’s, and the fire of 1946. The land had been cleared, but the steep faces proved unstable and the bush was allowed to regenerate from deep moist gullies.

A species of interest is the 'At risk - Declining' Tāpia/White Mistletoe/Tupeia antarctica. Possums are the main threat limiting its success, but it is doing well within the reserve.

Keep an eye out for it when walking the tracks. It's tiny green/yellow flowers can be seen from October to December with white/pink fruit from December to March. It can present as a rounded shrub up to 1 metre wide, growing on other trees such as mahoe and five finger as a parisite. It has white bark and fleshy bright green leaves 10-70 cm long. It has been regularly sighted on a range of trees alongside the driveway and lodge.

The regenerating forest is made up of broadleaved species, podocarps, manuka, kanuka and tree ferns.

Wildlife known to frequent the reserve include tui, kereru, bellbird, fantail, grey warbler, waxeye, rifleman and tomtit. Possums, deer, rats, mustelids and wild cats are an ongoing challenge for ecosystem recovery.

Today this ecosystem is regenerating and maturing well. In 2023 Cyclone Gabrielle caused a large slip in the top portion of the reserve, destroying the top loop walking track.