Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The stretch of highway between Wairoa and Napier traipses through unphotogenic
farmland and forestry blocks for much of its 117km. Most of it follows a railway line,
currently only used for freight - you'll realise what a travesty this is when you pass un-
der the
Mohaka viaduct
(1937), the highest rail viaduct in Australasia (97m).
Occupied by early Maori,
Lake Tutira
has walkways and a bird sanctuary. At Tutira
village, just north of the lake, Pohokura Rd leads to the wonderful
Boundary Stream
Scenic Reserve
, a major conservation area. Three loop tracks start from the road, ran-
ging in length from 40 minutes to three hours. Also along this road you'll find the
Opou-
ahi
and
Bellbird Bush Scenic Reserves
, which both offer rewarding walks. See
www.doc.govt.nz
for info on all of these reserves.
Off Waipatiki Rd, 34km outside Napier, Waipatiki Beach is a beaut spot boasting a
low-key campsite and the 64-hectare
Waipatiki Scenic Reserve
. Further down the line,
White Pine Bush Scenic Reserve
, 29km from Napier on SH2, bristles with kahikatea
and nikau palms.
Tangoio Falls Scenic Reserve
, 27km north of Napier, has Te Ana
Falls, stands of wheki-ponga (tree ferns) and native orchids. Again,
www.doc.govt.nz
has
the low-down on these reserves. Between White Pine and Tangoio Reserves the
Tangoio
Walkway
(three hours return) follows Kareaara Stream.
The highway surfs the coast for the last 25km, with impressive views towards Napier.
Hawke's Bay wine country starts in earnest at the mouth of the Esk River.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Napier
POP 57,240
The Napier of today - a charismatic, sunny, composed city with the air of an affluent
English seaside resort - is the silver lining of the dark cloud that was the deadly 1931
earthquake. Rebuilt in the popular architectural styles of the time, the city retains a
unique concentration of art-deco buildings. Don't expect the Chrysler Building - Napier
is resolutely low-rise - but you will find intact 1930s facades and streetscapes, which can
provoke a
Great Gatsby
swagger in the least romantic soul.
CYCLE THE BAY
part of the national Nga Haerenga, New Zealand Cycle Trails project - offers cyc-
ling opportunities from short city scoots to hilly, single-track shenanagins. Dedic-
