Hawkes Lookout Walk is a 15 minute return stroll off State Highway 60 on the Takaka Hill, above the Riwaka Valley. It is short and mostly flat through bush, ending at a cliff edge platform with views down to Motueka and the coast. Dogs are not allowed and the drop is real, so keep kids close.
Quick facts
Finding the car park on the Takaka Hill
This short walk is one of the Motueka Walks, even though the lookout itself sits above the Riwaka Valley on the Takaka Hill. From Motueka, head north on State Highway 60 as if you were driving to Takaka. The road winds up and up the hill. You will pass a limestone quarry on the right, easy to spot by the white marks the trucks leave as they pull out. The Hawks Lookout car park is on the left not far past the next corner, roughly 14km from Riwaka township.
It is a good spot to pull over if someone in the car is feeling a bit car sick, the stretch of legs helps. If you are planning more time in the wider Nelson region after your stop, a Full Day Hop on Hop Off Wine Tour – Nelson is a relaxed way to spend the rest of the day after a quick scenic stop like this one.
What to expect on the track
This is a very short walk, just long enough to stretch the legs. The track runs through bush and the rock formations along the side look like small scale models of mountain ranges, without the trees. It reminded me of standing on the St Arnaud Ranges, just in miniature. The track itself is well formed and easy underfoot the whole way.
Riwaka Valley views from Hawkes Lookout
The first few steps out onto the lookout will take your breath away. We were the only two people there. You could just hear a little traffic noise from the road below, but the calls of the tui were fantastic, better than any radio. From the platform you look straight down the Riwaka Valley and out to Motueka and the coast. The road you can see winding through the valley floor leads into the Riwaka Valley, well worth exploring further if you have the time.
Good for a quick stretch and carsick kids
This suits anyone driving the Takaka Hill who needs five minutes out of the car. It is too short and the drop too sharp to be a proper family ramble, but it is an easy win for older kids, grandparents or anyone short on time who still wants a decent view for their money. It is not wheelchair accessible, the track is narrow and unsealed.
Best time to break up the Takaka Hill drive
Any time of day works, the lookout faces down the valley rather than into the sun. Mornings tend to be quieter if you want the platform to yourself like we did. If you are travelling with family and want to bookend the day with something livelier, Natureland – General Admission makes a relaxed stop either side of a short 15 minute walk like this one.
Sinkholes, cliffs and the no dogs rule
The lookout is perched over a very high cliff, so keep a close eye on children and stay on the track at all times. The ground beside the track hides deep sinkholes and the rock underfoot is unstable and sharp in places, it is not somewhere to go wandering off the formed path. Dogs are not permitted on this walk. Camping and lighting fires are not allowed at the lookout area.
Common questions
Is it Hawks Lookout or Hawkes Lookout?
You will see both spellings used. This page uses Hawkes Lookout Walk, which matches the official track name.
Can you camp or light a fire at the lookout?
No. Camping and lighting fires are prohibited at the lookout area.
Can you freedom camp overnight in the car park?
Overnight parking is generally limited to certified self-contained vehicles, but check the current park rules before planning to stay the night.
Are dogs allowed?
No, dogs are not permitted on this walk.
Are there toilets at the car park?
Yes, there are toilets at the car park.
My honest take
I would not drive out of my way just for this, but if you are already climbing the Takaka Hill it is a no brainer. Fifteen minutes out of the car, a good stretch of the legs, and a view that is genuinely worth stopping for. The rock formations on the way in are a nice surprise too, I was not expecting them to look so much like a miniature mountain range. If you want more native bush and birdlife after this short taste of it, Brook Waimarama Sanctuary – General Admission is a good way to spend more time among the tui and bush you get a taste of here. After winding down the Takaka Hill, a soak at Oceanside Oasis Private Spa Pools is a nice way to unwind after the drive and the short walk.
Cafes and shops back in Motueka
There is good shopping and plenty of cafes back in Motueka township once you are off the hill. If the short walk leaves the kids with energy to burn rather than legs to rest, Pro Karts – 10 Minute FAST Track Race is a fun way to let off some steam.
Other walks near Motueka
See more of our walks on the Motueka Walks hub page.
