Visit – Te Mata Park including the Peak

Toro te ataahua

Visit the Beauty

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 107.5 hectare Park is a recreational, historical and cultural treasure. Standing 399 metres above the Heretaunga Plains, Te Mata Peak is both a visual feature and an integral part of Hawke’s Bay culture and history. The Park offers visitors stunning views of the bay from Mahia to Cape Kidnappers, unique topography, geology, flora and fauna, and a rich Māori history.

Majestic Views

Explore and revel

Te Mata Park is a favourite of young and old, locals and out-of-town visitors, serious fitness enthusiasts and those who enjoy less strenuous walks and outings – nearly 1 million people visit the Park every year. The Main Gates to Te Mata Park are located on Te Mata Peak Road, Havelock North and all visitors are able to drive to the summit of Te Mata Peak. There is also a pedestrian entrance to the Park at the end of Tauroa Road, Havelock North.

VISITOR INFORMATION

Park Activities and Attractions

Walking Trails

Enjoyed every day by hundreds of walkers and joggers, Te Mata Park has an extensive network of well-formed tracks that provide varied landscapes, views and gradients. Choose from one of the Top 5 Walking Tracks which provide a variety of options to explore some spectacular areas of the Park on foot.

Mountain Biking

The Park is a great place for mountain bikers and we’ve developed mountain biking trails for bikers at all levels – from Grade 2 (easy) to Grade 6 (extreme). The trails allow bikers to be largely separated from walkers, with safety further enhanced and controlled by crossing points between the biking and walking trails.

Road Cycling

Road cycling – Cycling up the road to the summit offers an accessible local hill climb for a serious workout. To find out more please contact the Ramblers Cycling Club.

Ramblers Cycling Club

Orienteering

Hawke’s Bay’s beauty and stunning weather have made orienteering popular in and around the Te Mata Park area. Orienteers of all ages and fitness levels have been enjoying the Park since it was gifted to the people of Hawke’s Bay.

Hang Gliding and Paragliding

Gliders have been flying from Te Mata Peak for more than 30 years. The sea breeze and summer thermals make it a prime soaring site, well known among New Zealand foot launched flyers. Find out more at Soar Hawke’s Bay.

Soar Hawke’s Bay

Weddings

Te Mata Park has been a much-loved location for wedding photographs and ceremonies for many years. There are many favoured locations with beautiful views including the Little Redwoods, the Summit, and the Saddle.

Geocaching

A fast-growing outdoor sport which combines aspects of treasure hunting, high-tech navigation and exploration. Te Mata Park has several geocaches in it, see the global geocaching website if you want to start searching. Learn more about geocaching here.

Global Geocaching

Picnics

There are lots of fantastic picnic spots in the Park – one of the favourites is the Big Redwoods. Planted in 1927 this large grove of 223 magnificent trees now towers over 40 metres. There is a picnic table in the Redwoods and we do ask visitors to take all rubbish with them as there are no bins at the Redwoods. Bins are provided at the main car park and at the summit. You may also enjoy a picnic at the main Park entrance, on Te Mata Peak Road. Picnic tables are available as well as toilet facilities, not to mention the most spectacular view of the bay.

The Redwoods

Dogs

The whole Park is an off-lead area for dogs. Please note that stock is regularly grazed, and all dogs must be controlled at all times. Bikes are permitted on sections of track marked with orange ‘Shared Track’ stickers, where extra vigilance is required.

We also ask that owners ensure their dogs do not foul the tracks or their immediate margins at any time.

Photography and Drones

Photography is permitted in the Park, please be respectful of others, and feel free to send us your images if you want to share them. We love seeing the Park how you see it. To send your images, email sara@tematapark.co.nz. For drones, approval is required before flying in the park.

Drone Approval Form

Gate Opening / Closing Times

The upper section of Te Mata Peak Road above the Peak House is closed to vehicles from 10pm to 5.30am every day.

The Tauroa Road car park extension is closed between 9pm and 7am daily and we ask park users to consider local residents in terms of noise, especially early in the morning.

Current Hazards

From time to time we will post information regarding hazards within Te Mata Park. To find our about any current or foreseeable hazards please check here.

Kia hora te marino, Kia whakapapa pounamu te moana, kia tere te Kārohirohi i mua i tōu huarahi.

May the calm be widespread, may the ocean glisten as greenstone, may the shimmer of light ever dance across your pathway.

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.

Two times winner of the presitigous international enviromental award.

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