Hinewai Reserve
Located in Akaroa, Banks Peninsula Area, New Zealand.
Hinewai Reserve is a very cool and well cared for section of native goodness over the back of Akaroa. It's a privately managed reserve, dedicated to restoring native vegetarian and wildlife. There are lots of track options and this time we chose the quick and easy walk to Jules knob which offers a gorgeous view down into Long Bay. On our way back we decided to go a bit longer and head down Kereru Track, then back up East Track. We found ourselves walking down a gorgeous gully beside a stream, surrounded by beautiful bush and birdsong. It was totally worth the HARD slog of walking back up East Track with Maya - having got "too tired" - on my back. We survived the climb and were rewarded with a nosey through the information centre (which is also an overnight hut option). We’ll be back to open more time in this stunning area!
Akaroa, Banks Peninsula Area
Further Information
Hinewai Reserve
Track Access / Information
The Hineawi Reserve occupies most of the three catchments (Onanerito, Stoney Bay and Sleepy Cove) this reserve sits on the eroded outer flank of the Akaroa Volcano with three prominent summits overlooking Akaroa. It has a publicly accessible network of about 16 kilometres, all linked through to Akaroa by Purple Peak and Curry Tracks and by Long Bay and Stony Bay Roads. All the tracks are well sign-posted. The longest of the circular routes requires several energetic hours. Much can be seen on shorter routes of an hour to three hours. An old woolshed on the property has been converted into a visitor centre and self-contained lodge that sleeps 12. The lodge is used regularly by tramping groups, scientists, volunteers and schools who want to experience Hinewai for themselves.
Weather / What to wear?
Take reasonable care - some bits of the track can be extremely slippery when wet, a sturdy pair of footwear is recommended. As with any outdoor activities in New Zealand, the elements are always unpredictable and ever-changing. We recommend you use check-in with appropriate weather forecast service before you set off, but always have wind/waterproof jackets and hats on hand, in case of any circumstance changes.
Facilites
Hinewai is an ecological restoration project on Banks Peninsula, privately owned and managed by the Maurice White Native Forest Trust, but freely open the public on foot. Hinewai Reserve occupies 1250 hectares in the south-eastern corner of Banks Peninsula on the South Island’s east coast. The reserve lies east of the town of Akaroa. Initially, 109 hectares were purchased by the Maurice White Native Forest Trust in 1987. Since then the trust has greatly enlarged the reserve through the purchase of Ōtānerito Station in 1991 and through several subsequent additions. Since 2016 the trust has also looked after the adjacent 192 hectares Purple Peak Curry Reserve, after its purchase in that year by the New Zealand Native Forest Restoration Trust. Travel in the Hineawi Reserve is only on foot - no vehicles, mountain bikers are allowed beyond the road. Dogs and other animals are not permitted in the reserve.
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Child friendly hike
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Hinewai Reserve (Offical Website)
For full Hinewai Reserve information please use the click-through provided
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Entering the elements
Choosing the right gear/food options can be daunting, here's how to keep the whole family safe, feed, warm and happy
Directions
Google map track infomation
1.5 hour drive from Christchurch. Driving from the main road towards Akaroa. (After Takamatua) Turn sharp left onto Long Bay Road. Continue along Long Bay Road to the Hinewai Reserve car park, which is clearly marked. On the way, you pass a junction with Summit Road, Hickory Bay Road, and Brocheries Road. If you reach Goughs Road you've gone too far.
So how did the children find it?
A message from Alba and Maya
Alba says: Really Fun. The coolest part was the big tree’s covering me.
Maya says: It was so muddy and I saw a dead hedgehog. Mummy carried me a lot at the end.
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