Last updated October 2026
The Elsthorpe Scenic Reserve Loop Track is a short DOC walk through a stand of mature lowland native forest in Central Hawke’s Bay, south of Hastings. DOC grades it Easy to intermediate and allows about 20 minutes for the 600 m loop, which crosses a boardwalk bridge through podocarp forest.
Access is over a stile off Kairakau Road, beside a small grassed area with a picnic table. The reserve’s forest is mainly mataī, kahikatea, tawa and tītoki, home to tūī, bellbirds and kererū.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Elsthorpe Scenic Reserve Loop Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOCTrack facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.
Practical Information
- Start
- Stile off Kairakau Road, Elsthorpe (small grassed area with a picnic table)
- Distance from the city
- About 31 km from Hastings
- Walking time
- About 20 minutes (DOC says 10 to 20 minutes)
- Track length
- 600 m loop
- Grade
- Easy to intermediate
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Track type
- Walking track
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
About Elsthorpe Scenic Reserve Loop Track
Elsthorpe Scenic Reserve covers 35 ha in two separate blocks of mature lowland native forest. The canopy is mainly mataī, kahikatea, tawa and tītoki, with a regenerating understorey of small-leaved shrubs.
The loop crosses a boardwalk bridge and winds through the podocarp forest, giving a close view of the trees. Tūī, bellbirds, kererū and other common native birds live in the bush.
Only the Kairakau Road block has a track; DOC notes there is no track through the Elsthorpe Road section of the reserve.
DOC is running ongoing weed control to help the native forest regenerate, targeting species such as hawthorn, privet and plum.
Getting There
From State Highway 2 at Ōtāne, take Elsthorpe Road 21 km to Elsthorpe, then turn right into Kairakau Road. The entrance is on the right. Check DOC before you go for any alerts.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Elsthorpe Scenic Reserve Loop Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Central Hawke’s Bay District Council: local roads and community information for the Elsthorpe and Kairakau area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Elsthorpe Scenic Reserve Loop Track?
DOC says the loop takes 10 to 20 minutes.
Where does it start?
At a stile off Kairakau Road in Elsthorpe, beside a small grassed area with a picnic table.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it Easy to intermediate.
Are dogs allowed?
No. DOC lists the track as no dogs.
What trees will I see?
Mainly mataī, kahikatea, tawa and tītoki.
Is there a track in the Elsthorpe Road block?
No. DOC says there is no walking track through the Elsthorpe Road section of the reserve.
How do I get there?
From Ōtāne on State Highway 2, take Elsthorpe Road 21 km to Elsthorpe, then turn right onto Kairakau Road.
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