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Te Mata

The Sleeping Giant
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Kia ora e hoa

Welcome to Te Mata Park

Nau mai, haere mai – Welcome to one of the most loved and visited places in Te Matau-a-Māui (Hawke’s Bay); we invite you to experience all the beauty that our park has to offer. Admire the incredible 360° views of Hawke’s Bay and the Heretaunga Plains from the summit, walk through the majestic hundred-year-old giant redwoods, and discover the deep cultural relevance and compelling history of this special place.

Visit

Whāia te iti kahurangi ki te tūohu koe me he maunga teitei.

Seek the treasure you value most dearly; if you bow your head, let it be to a lofty mountain.

UNSPOILED BEAUTY

Land worth protecting

2 million years ago, the sea floor tilted and shifted to create what is now the landform of Te Mata Peak. Centuries later, it was inhabited by Māori tribes, then claimed by European settlers, and eventually gifted to the community in 1927 by the Chambers family for all people to enjoy. As a community, we are called to protect our maunga (mountain), preserve its wild beauty, and ensure it is maintained as a sacred place for generations to come. For those interested in becoming kaitiaki (guardians) of Te Mata, there are many ways to engage with our current conservation projects.

Get Involved

LEGENDS & HISTORY

Discover the origins of The Giant

Te Mata is a tāonga tuku ihō (heavenly gift) etched from the earth by the gods and accorded many names such as Te Matā, Te Mata o Rongokako, Te Karanemanema o te Mata o Rongokako. There are many stories of Te Mata, with each of the different iwi telling their own story. As different hapū see Te Mata from different angles, they each have a different visual and historical perspective relating to the maunga. Each marae must tell their own story that best represents their people, and all stories are respected and acknowledged equally.

The Story of Te Mata

Photograph by Tim Whittaker

STAY INFORMED

Keep up to date with latest events

Keep abreast of what’s going on in and around the park on our news page and subscribe to our newsletter for more detailed park happenings. Don’t miss out!

Latest news
Events
Te Mata Park

Collaborating to save a rare local treasure

Our Park Manager, Sarah Austin-Smith, recently welcomed a specialist research team to the Park to advance understanding of one of our most precious endemic species: Pimelea mimosa (also known as Pinātoro, or native daphne).
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Te Mata Park

Thank you Pub Charity Ltd

A sincere thank you to Pub Charity Ltd for its generous grant of more than $7,000 towards the operational expenses of Te Mata Park.
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Te Mata Park

Meet our new Trustee: Callum Ross

We are delighted to welcome recently elected Hastings District Councillor Callum Ross as the newest member of our Trust Board.
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Te Mata Peak by Tom KeefeTom Keefe

Te Mata Park 2026 Survey out now

The Te Mata Park 2026 Survey is now live, and we warmly invite you to have your say!
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Sarah Austin-Smith

Summer Newsletter

Summer is a beautiful time of year in the Park, with long golden evenings, spectacular views, and the landscape alive with birdsong.
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Te Mata Park

Meet our new Trustee: Shannon Bray

As part of our ongoing series introducing new governance members, we’re pleased to turn the spotlight on Shannon Bray. He was appointed as an Aspiring Trustee in 2022, and as a Trustee in 2025.  Shannon brings a strong commitment to community, stewardship, and the long-term protection of Te Mata Park.
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Karaka tree with bright orange berriesTe Mata Park

Dog walkers: beware of toxic karaka berries

Karaka trees are fruiting now through to autumn, and their bright orange berries drop to trails and the forest floor. These berries are toxic to dogs if eaten.
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Te Mata Park

Meet our new Trustee: Liz Read

In this ongoing series, we’re profiling those recently appointed to Te Mata Park Trust. Alongside our Mana Whenua Trust Board, they form part of an eight-strong Board dedicated to enhancing and protecting Te Mata Park for all.
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Te Mata Park

Te Mata Park to temporarily close due to extreme fire risk

Te Mata Park will close to the public from 10pm today, Friday the 9th of January 2026, due to the extreme fire conditions identified by Hawke’s Bay Fire and Emergency
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A HELPING HAND

We thank our local councils for continued support

HBRC

CONTRIBUTE TO THE FUTURE

Help us protect and expand Te Mata Park

You can also make a huge difference with a donation to Te Mata Park Trust. We have a number of different ways you can donate, from making a general donation to support operations, giving to our Ngā Tipuna Fund, funding trees, or making a bequest.

Ways to Donate

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Haere mai | Welcome to Te Mata Park and its famous peak, one of the most loved and visited places in Hawke’s Bay.
Gifted in perpetuity to the community in 1927 and managed by a small group of volunteer trustees, with appreciated help from local councils and the community, the Park is a cultural, historical and recreational treasure.

Seven time winner of the prestigious international green space award.

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Ours Forever   |   Te Mata Tō Tatou Ake Tonu Atu

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